AI for Beginners
Who it's for
People who have hardly used AI and want to start in plain language, on their own phone or laptop. That includes over-40 professionals, retirees, teachers, parents, school admin, and anyone else who has been putting this off. You do not need a technical background. If you can send a WhatsApp, we can start.
If you already write software, see AI for Software Developers. If you run a small business and want the sessions built around quotes, client mail and admin, see AI for Business Owners.
What you'll learn (a typical path of 3 to 4 sessions)
Each paid session is 90 minutes, 1-on-1, on your device. A typical path is three sessions; a fourth is there if you want to make the habit stick. You book and pay per session (R850). You can stop after any one of them. In the free 30-minute intro we confirm where you are and which task to bring first.
- Get set up and finish one real task. What AI is and isn’t; pick and set up one free assistant on your own device; use it on one thing from your week (an email, a letter, a CV, a meal plan); what’s safe to share and what you should keep to yourself.
- Everyday use, and clearer requests. Bring back what you tried. We work through two or three daily chores (a summary, a message, a short letter), practise writing a clear request, and start a “My prompts” note on your phone.
- Check the answer, and stay safe. How to check facts, dates and figures on official sources; using a photo or a document; privacy settings; what never to paste; a few simple rules for scams and faked voice notes or videos.
- (If you want a fourth session.) Make it stick. Finish a short set of prompt cards written for your life, agree one weekly chore you’ll keep doing with AI, and leave with a simple plan for the next few weeks.
Outcomes
These are things we’ll work towards. They are not guaranteed, and they depend on showing up and practising between sessions.
By the end of a typical path you should be able to:
- set up and use one free AI assistant on your own phone or laptop
- write a clearer request, and improve the first answer
- complete everyday tasks (an email, a summary, a letter) with AI, then edit before you send
- check answers that matter, and keep ID numbers, bank details, passwords and other people’s information out of the tools
FAQ
I’m a complete beginner. Is that OK?
Yes. That’s who this path is for. We start from wherever you are and go at your pace.
What do I need?
Bring a laptop or tablet and your ideas. If we meet on Microsoft Teams, the free app or a browser is enough. You type your own passwords.
Do I have to book all four sessions?
No. After the free intro, you book one 90-minute session at a time, at R850 each.
When are sessions, and how do I book?
Tuesday and Thursday 18:00–20:00 and Saturday 09:00–12:00, South African time. Book at learn.easygov.ai/book/?path=beginners. We confirm on WhatsApp. Payment for a paid session is EFT only; details come on your invoice, not on this page.
Will I have to pay for AI tools afterwards?
Usually not. The free versions are enough for most people on this path. If a paid plan would genuinely help, I’ll say so and explain why.