This PowerPoint presentation, titled ‘Smart Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)’, is designed to support public librarians in delivering engaging and practical training on AI for children and teenagers aged from 12–15. Trainers can adapt the presentation to meet trainees’ specific learning needs and prior knowledge of digital technology, and to what technology is available, or for younger or older learners. The session should take approximately one hour to complete.

The training introduces learners to what AI is, how it works, and how it is used in everyday life. It also helps them develop skills for evaluating  AI-generated content for incorrect or outdated information, to recognize misinformation and deepfakes, and how to use AI tools responsibly and safely.

The presentation is structured around the following sections:

• Warm-up and introduction: An interactive activity introducing how apps use data and AI to personalize content
• Understanding AI: Core concepts, how AI works, and examples from everyday use
• AI tools and content: Introduction to AI assistants (e.g. ChatGPT) and how to evaluate AI-generated information
• Risks and responsible use: Covers misinformation, deepfakes, and safe, ethical use of AI
• Hands-on activities: Practical exercises on asking better questions to get clear responses from AI assistants, creative use of AI, and verifying information

The presentation and notes for facilitators were compiled by Ugne Lipeikaite, Impact Manager of the EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme (EIFL-PLIP), incorporating learning approaches inspired by resources developed by the Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington.

More resources for public librarians providing digital skills training in their communities:

• Survival in a digital jungle – a PowerPoint presentation that public librarians can use in online safety training for children and teenagers, including PowerPoint slides and notes for trainers.
• Navigating the Truth: Understanding Misinformation – a PowerPoint presentation for public library trainers to use in information literacy training.
• Unleash your creativity with Canva – a PowerPoint presentation that public librarians can use to teach youth and adults basic graphic design skills.
• Getting the best from WhatsApp – a PowerPoint presentation for use by public librarians offering mobile literacy training for young people.