3  Lesson 1: AI Is Here - Use It Safely, Use It in English

Duration: 2 hours

TipYour Path

You are in: Lesson 1

Before this: Orientation

After this: Lesson 2

Workbook page: Student Workbook -> Lesson 1 - My CLEAR Strong Prompt

3.1 Start Here

AI is already part of school, work, shopping, phones, search, and daily communication. You do not need to become an AI expert. You do need to learn how to use AI safely and clearly in English.

AI already appears in everyday tools: banking alerts, phone unlock, map routes, shopping suggestions, autocorrect, feeds, videos, and voice assistants.

Today you will write your first safe English prompt. Before you write it, you will learn two important ideas:

1. AI may become normal in daily life, like the Internet became normal.
2. AI tools have providers, settings, and privacy risks.

3.2 Why This Matters

In the 1990s, many people thought the Internet was optional. Later, the Internet became normal for school, work, communication, shopping, and daily life.

The Internet changed how people find information and connect with others. AI may become another everyday tool that students need to understand and use safely.

AI may follow a similar path. This does not mean you should feel afraid. It means you can start now, step by step. You can learn how to ask better questions, check answers, protect your private information, and use English with more confidence.

AI can support a new way of learning: students can research, practice English writing, build examples, create visuals, and prepare presentations while checking answers carefully.

Ignoring AI is like ignoring the Internet in the 90s. You do not need to know everything. You need safe habits and clear English so you are not left behind.

TipWrite in the Book

Some exercises in the website version are interactive. You can type your answers directly on the page, and you can copy or download a backup if your teacher asks.

The main task is to write in the book, not to create separate files.

Discussion

Write in the book. Your answers save on this device.

Not saved yet

AI can help me

AI cannot replace

I want to learn AI because

I need to be careful because

3.3 Today You Will

By the end of this lesson, you will:

1. Explain why learning AI in English matters now.
2. Identify basic AI provider privacy and data settings.
3. Practice an opt-out routine for training, data sharing, or personalization where a tool allows it.
4. Learn the ZONI CLEAR prompt scaffold.
5. Write one safe English prompt for an everyday task.
6. Complete the matching Student Workbook page.

NoteLesson Reference

Theme: AI is a practical English skill, but students need safe habits first.

AI Focus: Basic AI use, provider privacy settings, opt-out awareness, and safe prompt writing.

ESL Focus: Simple explanations, personal goals, privacy vocabulary, clear requests, and sentence frames.

Content Objective: Students will write one CLEAR strong prompt for a safe everyday task.

Language Objective: Students will use simple English frames:

AI can help me...
I need help with...
Do not include...
I opted out of...
I will not share...

3.4 Core Idea

An AI tool is a computer tool that can create answers, text, images, summaries, or other outputs. A provider is the company or group that gives you the tool.

AI tools may feel free, but free tools can still collect value from users.

If you aren’t paying for the product, you are the product.

This means: be careful. A company may collect data, use interaction data, personalize services, show ads, or improve systems. Different AI providers have different policies. Check privacy and data settings before using AI tools.

Opt out of model training, data sharing, or personalization where the tool allows it. Opting out is helpful, but it is not enough. Do not type private information into AI tools.

WarningStrong Privacy Rule

Do not share private information with AI. Do not type passwords, addresses, ID numbers, medical records, immigration documents, private school documents, private work documents, private student data, or private family information into an AI tool.

Do not upload private documents. Use a safe public example, a fake example, or a teacher-provided sample instead.

3.4.1 Opt-Out Routine

Use this routine before using an AI tool:

1. Open Settings.
2. Look for Privacy, Data Controls, or Account Settings.
3. Look for words like:
   - Improve the model
   - Train our models
   - Chat history
   - Data sharing
   - Personalization
4. Turn off sharing for training if the tool allows it.
5. Do not type private information, even after opting out.

3.5 Key Vocabulary

Key Vocabulary Match

Choose the word that matches each meaning and example sentence.

Not saved yet

WordSimple meaningExample sentence

Word for AI meaningChoose wordAIdataopt outoutputpersonalizationprivacy settingprivatepromptprovidertraining

A computer system that can create answers, text, images, or other outputsI used AI to organize my ideas.

Word for provider meaningChoose wordAIdataopt outoutputpersonalizationprivacy settingprivatepromptprovidertraining

The company or group that gives you a toolThe provider has privacy settings.

Word for data meaningChoose wordAIdataopt outoutputpersonalizationprivacy settingprivatepromptprovidertraining

Information a tool may collect or useMy prompt is data.

Word for opt out meaningChoose wordAIdataopt outoutputpersonalizationprivacy settingprivatepromptprovidertraining

Choose not to join or shareI opted out of model training.

Word for training meaningChoose wordAIdataopt outoutputpersonalizationprivacy settingprivatepromptprovidertraining

Using examples to improve a modelI looked for a training setting.

Word for privacy setting meaningChoose wordAIdataopt outoutputpersonalizationprivacy settingprivatepromptprovidertraining

A control for what information is sharedI checked the privacy setting.

Word for personalization meaningChoose wordAIdataopt outoutputpersonalizationprivacy settingprivatepromptprovidertraining

A tool changing answers based on your useI turned off personalization if the tool allowed it.

Word for prompt meaningChoose wordAIdataopt outoutputpersonalizationprivacy settingprivatepromptprovidertraining

The instruction or question you give AIMy prompt asks for a simple email.

Word for output meaningChoose wordAIdataopt outoutputpersonalizationprivacy settingprivatepromptprovidertraining

The answer from AIThe output was too long.

Word for private meaningChoose wordAIdataopt outoutputpersonalizationprivacy settingprivatepromptprovidertraining

Not for everyone to seeMy address is private.

3.6 Sentence Frames

AI can help me __________.
AI cannot replace __________.
I want to learn AI because __________.
I need to be careful because __________.
I checked settings for __________.
I opted out of __________.
I could not find __________.
I will not share __________.
I need help with __________.
Please use simple English.
Do not include private information.

3.7 Lesson Agenda

Time	Activity	Purpose
10 min	Motivational opener: Ignoring AI is like ignoring the Internet in the 90s	Connect AI learning to future English needs.
15 min	Privacy reality: If you aren’t paying for the product, you are the product	Understand provider incentives in simple English.
15 min	Opt-out habit: check privacy and data settings before using AI	Practice the settings routine without sharing account details.
15 min	AI basics in simple English	Learn core words and safe-use rules.
20 min	ZONI CLEAR prompt scaffold	Learn a repeatable prompt structure.
25 min	Guided practice: weak prompt vs. strong safe prompt	Identify task, context, limits, and output format.
15 min	Independent practice: first safe English AI prompt	Draft the first workbook evidence.
5 min	Exit ticket	Save one prompt, one privacy rule, and one new word.

3.8 Guided Practice

3.8.1 Safe or Unsafe?

Sort each task.

Safe or Unsafe?

Choose one category for each task.

Not saved yet

TaskGood for AIDo Not Use AI Alone

Brainstorm lunch ideas

Good for AI

Do Not Use AI Alone

Ask for a medical diagnosis

Good for AI

Do Not Use AI Alone

Summarize a public article

Good for AI

Do Not Use AI Alone

Upload immigration papers

Good for AI

Do Not Use AI Alone

Practice interview answers

Good for AI

Do Not Use AI Alone

Type a password into a prompt

Good for AI

Do Not Use AI Alone

3.8.2 ZONI CLEAR Prompt Scaffold

This course uses a ZONI CLEAR scaffold to help you write prompts in simple English. CLEAR means Context, Limits, Example or format, Ask, and Review.

Letter	Meaning	Student-Friendly Question
C	Context	What is my situation?
L	Limits	What should AI avoid?
E	Example or format	What style or format do I want?
A	Ask	What do I want AI to do?
R	Review	What should AI check before answering?

flowchart TD
  C[Context] --> L[Limits]
  L --> E["Example<br/>or format"]
  E --> A[Ask]
  A --> R[Review]
  R --> P["Safer<br/>prompt"]

Figure 3.1: The ZONI CLEAR prompt flow.

In simple English: a clear prompt gives AI the situation, the rules, the format, the task, and a check.

Student template:

I need help with: [task]

Context:
[short background]

Limits:
- Use simple English.
- Do not invent facts.
- Do not use private information.
- Ask questions if information is missing.

Output format:
[table / checklist / email / short paragraph]

Before answering:
List assumptions and missing information.

3.8.3 Weak Prompt vs. Strong Safe Prompt

Weak prompt:

Help me study.

Strong safe prompt:

I need help making a simple study plan.

Context:
- I have an English test on Friday.
- I can study 30 minutes each day.
- I need help with vocabulary and speaking.

Limits:
- Use simple English.
- Do not ask for private information.
- Do not invent facts.

Please give me:
1. A 4-day study plan.
2. A list of 10 words to review.
3. A 5-minute speaking practice activity.
4. Questions you need before improving the plan.

Underline:

1. the task
2. the context
3. the limits
4. the output format

3.9 Independent Practice

Choose one safe task:

• Write a polite email.
• Plan study time.
• Prepare for a job interview.
• Understand a public announcement.
• Make a grocery list on a budget.
• Organize a weekly schedule.

Write one complete CLEAR strong prompt. Your prompt must include Context, Limits, Example or output format, Ask, and Review.

Use this Student Workbook page:

My CLEAR Strong Prompt

Write one complete CLEAR prompt.

Not saved yet

My CLEAR strong prompt

3.10 Presentation Task

Share your first ZONI CLEAR AI prompt with the class.

3.11 Reflection

Write three short sentences:

Reflection

Write three short sentences.

Not saved yet

Today I learned that AI can

One AI-related word I learned is

One private detail I should not share is

3.12 Exit Ticket

Show your teacher:

Exit Ticket

Show these four answers to your teacher.

Not saved yet

Examples:

• Safe prompt: I need help writing a polite email to ask about a school schedule. Use simple English. Do not ask for private information. Give me 3 short sentences.
• Privacy setting word: Data controls
• Opt-out sentence: I opted out of model training if the tool allowed it.
• Privacy rule: I will not type my password, address, ID number, or private documents into AI.

One safe English prompt

One privacy setting word

One opt-out sentence

One privacy rule in English

3.13 Homework

Estimated time: 45-60 minutes.

Important

Required Homework: Future Dreams AI Image

This homework is very important. It is your first chance to use the school-provided AI tool to create something meaningful in English.

You will use a CLEAR prompt to generate one image about your future, your goals, or your dreams. Your image should show hope, effort, and the life you are working toward.

3.13.1 Your Task

Use the AI tool provided by the school. Create one image about your future dreams.

Your image can show:

• a job or career you want
• a school or learning goal
• a place you hope to be
• a skill you want to build
• a peaceful, successful, or confident future version of yourself

Keep it safe. Do not include your full name, address, phone number, school ID, immigration information, medical information, private documents, or real faces of other people.

3.13.2 CLEAR Prompt Template for Your Image

Copy this template and complete it in your own words:

CLEAR image prompt template

Context:
I am an English student. I want an image about my future dream: __________.

Limits:
Use a positive and respectful style.
Do not include private information, real names, ID numbers, addresses, or documents.
Do not show real people from my life.

Example or output format:
Create one inspiring image. The image should look __________.

Ask:
Please generate an image that shows __________.

Review:
Before creating the image, make sure the idea is safe and does not include private information.

Example CLEAR image prompt:

Example CLEAR image prompt

Context:
I am an English student. I want an image about my future dream: becoming a nurse and helping people.

Limits:
Use a positive and respectful style.
Do not include private information, real names, ID numbers, addresses, or documents.
Do not show real people from my life.

Example or output format:
Create one inspiring image. The image should look bright, hopeful, and realistic.

Ask:
Please generate an image that shows a confident student walking toward a hospital with books and a sunrise in the background.

Review:
Before creating the image, make sure the idea is safe and does not include private information.

3.13.3 Homework Steps

Tasks:

1. Finish the Lesson 1 - My CLEAR Strong Prompt page in the Student Workbook.
2. Add three words to Vocabulary Log.
3. Use the school-provided AI tool to test your CLEAR prompt.
4. Generate one future dreams image.
5. Save or download the image.
6. Email your teacher the image and the CLEAR prompt that generated it.

3.13.4 What to Include in Your Email

What to complete:

• Student Workbook page: Lesson 1 - My CLEAR Strong Prompt
• updated Vocabulary Log
• one AI-generated image about your future dreams
• one email to your teacher with the image, prompt, and dream sentence

Your email must include:

• the image you generated
• the CLEAR prompt you used
• one sentence: This image represents my dream because __________.

Email subject:

Email subject

Lesson 1 Homework - My Future Dreams AI Image

Email message example:

Email message example

Dear Teacher,

Here is my Lesson 1 homework.

My image represents my dream because I want to build a better future through education.

CLEAR prompt I used:
[paste your CLEAR prompt here]

Thank you,
[your first name]

3.13.5 Before You Send

Check:

• My image is about my future, goal, or dream.
• My prompt follows CLEAR.
• My prompt and image do not include private information.
• I included the image and the prompt in my email.
• I sent the email to my teacher.

This homework is required. Bring your image idea back to class. We will use it to talk about goals, English, and how AI can help us imagine a future we can work toward.

Privacy reminder: Opting out is helpful, but it is not enough. Do not type private information into AI tools.

TipOptional Colab Lab

This lab is optional. Use it only if your teacher asks or if you want extra practice. You do not need to complete the lab to finish your portfolio.

Open the Lessons 1-2 Prompt Playground lab in Colab:

https://colab.research.google.com/github/zoni-group/E4A/blob/public-7e8034967bb3/english-for-ai-course/interactives/class-01-prompt-playground.ipynb

Use safe examples only. Do not enter private information.

The lab uses Colab AI automatically when it is available in the Colab runtime. If Colab AI is not available, the regular lab steps still work, and you can finish your portfolio without AI.

After any AI answer, say: “I checked the AI answer before I used it.”

ImportantRequired Workbook Evidence

Complete this workbook evidence:

Student Workbook -> Lesson 1 - My CLEAR Strong Prompt