AI Foundations for Children

Artificial intelligence (AI) is all around us. It helps phones recognise faces, suggests songs and videos, finds routes on maps and answers questions. But what actually is it, how does it learn, and how can children use it safely and wisely?

AI Foundations for Children is a friendly, step-by-step course for children aged 8 to 11. It starts right at the beginning, so no previous knowledge of computers or AI is needed. Through clear explanations, everyday examples, pictures, activities and “Think about it” questions, children discover:

• what artificial intelligence is, and how it is different from a human brain
• how AI learns from examples, data and patterns, and why it sometimes makes mistakes
• where AI is used at home, at school, in games, in travel, in hospitals and in shops
• how to keep personal information private and use AI in a safe, fair and kind way
• how to question AI answers, check information and think for themselves

The course has five modules, each with one main lesson, a practical activity and a Module Knowledge Check that children can try as many times as they like. At the end there is a Final Course Assessment. Learners who score 70% or more receive an IIFAL CPD Certificate.

Children can work through the course on their own, but many enjoy doing it with a parent, carer or teacher nearby to talk about the questions together. The course does not ask children to sign up to or use any AI apps.

For parents and carers: A parent or carer should create the account and enrol their child. The course is free, and an account lets your child save their progress, take the assessments and receive their certificate.

Developed and quality-assured by IIFAL.