AI in Plain English: Everyday Concepts · Lesson 1 · 3 minutes
Follow strict steps
Spot programs that use fixed rules.
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Elena writes code
Elena builds a simple photo app. A standard computer program follows fixed rules. A human writes every step.
Elena's app resizes photos over 5 MB. What drives this action?
- A fixed rule written by Elena.
- The phone thinking on its own.
Answer: A fixed rule written by Elena.
Standard programs only do the exact steps humans give them.
Not all code is AI
Elena wonders if her rule is AI. It is not! Simple programs that follow exact steps are not artificial intelligence.
Is every computer program an artificial intelligence?
- Yes, all software counts as AI.
- No, ordinary code just follows fixed rules.
Answer: No, ordinary code just follows fixed rules.
Everyday code following strict steps is not artificial intelligence.
Complete the rule about standard code.
Elena gives her app ___ rules to follow step by ___.
Answer: Elena gives her app fixed rules to follow step by step.
Standard programs rely on human instructions with fixed rules.
Show how Elena's app works.
Answer: Elena writes fixed rules the app obeys them
A normal app simply executes instructions written by a coder.
Put the steps of Elena's app in order:
Answer: Elena writes an if-then rule → A user loads a photo → The app checks the file size rule
Fixed rule programs follow strict steps from first to last.
Which tool works only with fixed rules written by humans?
- A basic pocket calculator adding 2 + 2
- A self-driving car learning the road
Answer: A basic pocket calculator adding 2 + 2
Calculators and basic apps run human-coded instructions, not AI.
What to remember
- Standard software obeys exact human steps.
- Not every computer program is AI.
- Fixed rules do not change by themselves.
Next in this course: Learn from examples. It carries on in the Breni app.