Goal: choose a specific task and judge its usefulness instead of using a tool simply because it is new. Suggested time: 15 minutes. Paper and a pen are enough; this exercise requires no account or subscription.
Step 1 — Name the need. Describe one problem using an action: “organize ideas for a lesson,” rather than “use AI.” Identify who benefits and what they need to accomplish.
Step 2 — Define the output. Choose a list, plan, explanation or comparison. State the length, language and audience level. Do not ask a general-purpose tool for a conclusive medical or legal decision.
Step 3 — Review the inputs. Does the task require student names or private information? Use fictional examples or public information. If sensitive inputs are unavoidable, choose another approach or consult the responsible person.
Step 4 — Try a small task. Request one output and review it before expanding. Without a tool, complete the task manually first to establish a quality standard.
Step 5 — Evaluate usefulness. Did it save time after review? Can you correct its errors? Can the intended reader understand it? Do not adopt a tool when it does not improve the result.
Worked fictional example: a teacher needs an activity on fact and opinion. Prompt: “Create three original short statements for middle-school learners: a verifiable statement, an opinion and a claim requiring a source. Explain how to distinguish them. Do not use real names.” The teacher checks accuracy and language suitability.
Worksheet: My need: ______. Beneficiary: ______. Output: ______. Information I will not share: ______. Verification method: ______. Trial result: ______. Decision: use / revise / stop.
Success check: I can describe the need and output, privacy boundaries and review criteria. Adaptation: simplify the task when needed and provide text alternatives for meaningful visuals. Adults supervise children’s use of tools.
Community application: choose a need such as simplifying a family water-awareness card, not “building a global system.” Explain the offline option, who reviews meaning and how understanding is checked. This exercise does not establish a completed campaign.