Overview for Teachers

This lesson introduces students to the concept of prompt engineering within generative AI, focusing on how to effectively communicate and guide AI systems through well-crafted prompts.

Important Note

Please ensure you adhere to your school’s approved guidelines and AI policy before introducing this lesson to your students. It is important for educators to be familiar with this technology and its challenges, including the following: 

• Many AI tools require students to be at least 13 years old, and may require parental consent for those under 18 years old. Read the terms of service and privacy policy before using any AI tool, app, or website. 

• It is important to teach students about the safe and responsible guidelines of using AI at the start of every lesson.

• Generative AI tools may occasionally produce inaccurate or fabricated content. Verify the accuracy of AI outputs using discretion and critical thinking. 

• The outcomes of exercises in this toolkit may differ from provided examples, as they depend on your specific inputs and the AI tools employed.

Slide 1

Welcome the students to the class and introduce the topic of prompt engineering in generative AI. Briefly explain that today's lesson will uncover how to effectively communicate with AI systems.

Slide 2

Start by stressing the importance of ethical and responsible AI use. Encourage an open discussion on each of the guidelines presented, asking students for their input and any experiences they may have had with AI tools.

Slide 3

Ensure that all students have access to the necessary technological tools. Walk them through how to access and utilise the AI platforms that will be used during the lesson, offering assistance to those who might be less familiar with these tools.

*Note to Educators: you may choose any of the listed AI tools that is in line with your school’s policies.

Slide 4

Outline the day's learning objectives, focusing on the art of crafting effective prompts. Highlight how a well-constructed prompt can significantly impact the response and functionality of AI.

Slide 5

Define what a prompt is in the context of AI. Use examples to demonstrate how different prompts can guide AI in various directions. Invite students to suggest their own prompt examples and discuss their potential effectiveness.

Slide 6

Introduce the concept of prompt engineering and explain its crucial role in guiding AI interactions.

Slide 7

Discuss the creative and technical aspects of this skill and how it's becoming increasingly important in the AI field.

Slide 8

Showcase different types of prompts such as questions, instructions, and statements. For each type, provide examples and discuss how these prompts could be used in different AI interactions.

Slide 9

Discuss tips for creating effective prompts, emphasising the importance of clarity, providing context, and the willingness to experiment. Encourage students to think about these aspects when they create their prompts.

Slide 10

In this section, you will be going through an example together as a class. Prepare students to access the AI tool, as this is a hands-on exercise.

Slide 11

Have students experiment by entering various prompts into AI tools and observe the responses.

Slide 12

Lead a discussion on the effectiveness of different prompts. Focus on analysing how changes in wording and context alter the AI's response.

Slide 13

For this exploration task, students can choose to work in pairs, small groups, or independently. Encourage students to use the skills they have learned in this lesson to complete the task ahead.

Slide 14

Guide students through an independent task where they use AI to plan a weekend itinerary based on their interests. Promote creativity and experimentation with different prompt styles.

Slide 15

Invite students to share their itineraries and discuss the prompts they used. Encourage a group discussion on the effectiveness of these prompts and the AI's responses, highlighting creative and insightful approaches.

Slide 16

Wrap up the lesson by summarising the key points. Emphasise the importance of practice in mastering prompt engineering. End the session by answering any remaining questions and encouraging students to continue exploring prompt engineering outside the classroom.