AI Literacy Module for Youth

Lesson 1: Introduction: AI in Your World Already!

Before you start the lesson, make sure to read through the lesson overview and the lesson preparation. The Facilitator Guide can also help you prepare.

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Part 1: AI is in your world already

Welcome everyone! Before we start, quick question;

• Who used their phone this morning?

Keep your hand up if you used WhatsApp... Instagram... YouTube... Great!

TELL YOUR STUDENTS

Here's the exciting part - you've all been using AI without knowing it. Today we're going to become AI detectives and discover the AI that's already part of your daily life.

Activity

AI Spotter Challenge

I'm going to show you 6 apps and features. When you spot something that uses AI, raise your hand. Don't worry about being wrong - this is about learning!

Examples:

• Instagram face filters - AI recognizes faces and adds effects
• WhatsApp voice note transcription - AI converts speech to text
• Google Translate camera feature - AI translates text in real-time
• YouTube recommended videos - AI learns your preferences
• TikTok's "For You" page - AI curates personalized content
• Google Photos face grouping - AI recognizes people in your photos

Facilitation Tips:

• Celebrate every response, even incorrect ones
• Ask students to explain their thinking: "Why do you think that's AI?"
• Connect to their experiences: "Has anyone noticed YouTube suggesting videos similar to what you just watched?"

Cultural Sensitivity Notes:

• Some students may not have access to all these apps - acknowledge this openly.
• Include examples relevant to different economic backgrounds (e.g., basic phones vs. smartphones) across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.
• Be aware that data costs may limit some students' app usage particularly in rural areas of all three countries.

Part 2: What is Artificial Intelligence?

This section defines Artificial Intelligence and how it works.

ASK YOUR STUDENTS

• What is AI or Artificial Intelligence?

TELL YOUR STUDENTS

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is when computers or machines are made to think and learn like people. They can answer questions, help you find things, or even talk to you—just like a very smart robot friend!

ASK YOUR STUDENTS

• How does it work?

TELL YOUR STUDENTS

• Learn from Examples: AI looks at lots and lots of pictures, words, or sounds—like homework—to understand patterns. For example, it might see 1,000 pictures of cats to learn what a cat looks like.
• Practice and Get Smarter: Just like you get better when you practice, AI keeps learning by trying things over and over, and checking if it's right.
• Make Predictions or Decisions: Once it has learned enough, AI can guess what something is, write a sentence, or even talk to you—based on what it has learned.
• Help You Do Things Faster: AI uses what it knows to help people—like suggesting songs, drawing pictures, or answering questions!

Part 3: AI complements, it does not replace

This objective is to reassure participants and set the right expectations about AI. Emphasise that AI is here to support them, not replace them.

TELL YOUR STUDENTS

AI is a tool that supports you.

AI can speed up certain tasks, help explore ideas, or make learning easier but it still relies on your creativity, judgement, and guidance.

• The toolbox analogy: AI is just one tool among many — like a screwdriver or paintbrush. It makes some tasks easier, but it can’t do anything meaningful without the person using it.
• Just like with any other tools you use, you remain in control. You decide what to ask, what to accept, and what to change. Always review AI outputs and think critically.
• Your human strengths such as creativity, empathy, problem-solving, and leadership are still essential and cannot be replaced. AI enhances those strengths; it doesn’t diminish them.

Part 4: What we’ll discover today?

CLASS INTERACTION

Amazing! You already know more about AI than you thought. Today we're going on a journey with 6 stops, like a video game with different levels. Each level will give you new AI superpowers.

AI Superpower Goal Setting

Before we start, think about what AI superpower you want by the end of today. Are you most excited to become an AI Detective, AI Creator, or AI Guardian? Turn to the person next to you and share your choice.

• AI Detective: Spot what’s real and what’s AI
• AI Brain: Discover how AI learns
• AI Creator: Make something with AI
• AI Judge: Learn good vs. risky AI use
• AI Guardian: Stay safe online
• AI Future: Imagine your role in Africa’s AI future

Facilitation Notes:

• Give students 1 minute to discuss in pairs
• Ask 2-3 volunteers to share their goals with the class

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