What is AI? Artificial Intelligence in Simple Words

ElevatEd
Coding
June 26, 2025

What if your computer could think, learn, and reason-almost like a person! That's the magic of Artificial Intelligence, or AI. It may be your phone suggesting the fastest route home, a vacuum cleaner robot sweeping your floor, or a chatbot answering your questions, AI surrounds us.

As Bill Gates has been quoted to say, "The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don't really even notice it, so it's part of everyday life." AI is quickly becoming that behind-the-scenes helper, making our lives easier and more exciting.

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What is Artificial Intelligence, Anyway?

In simple words, Artificial Intelligence is when you program computers to think and act like human beings. They are able to learn from experience, change according to new facts, and even make decisions! AI is like giving brains to computers, so we can be helped in ways beyond our imagination.

Types of AI You Encounter Daily

Here are some types of AI we come across in our day-to-day life:

Type of AI	Everyday Example	How It Helps You
Voice Assistants	Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant	Answers questions, reminder setting
Recommendation Systems	Netflix, YouTube, Amazon	Recommends products or programs
Smart Devices	Thermostats, robot vacuums	Does domestic work
Chatbots	Websites, customer service	Provides instant help

Interesting Facts About AI

"Artificial Intelligence" was first mentioned as early as 1956!
AI can beat world chess champions, Go champions, and even video game champions.
There is some AI that can tell stories, create music, or even paint.
Artificial intelligence will be incorporated into nearly all work and industries by 2030, according to experts.

Why Should Kids Learn AI?

AI is not for scientists or engineers alone. Kids who are well-versed with AI will be better prepared for the future-whatever they wish to pursue! Learning about AI prepares kids for:

Boost Problem-Solving Skill: AI assists children in breaking down enormous problems into simple steps.
Foster Creative Thinking: AI prompts the kids to imagine innovative inventions and solutions.
Understand Technology: Children who study AI become intelligent consumers and producers, not merely consumers.

"The best way to predict the future is to invent it." – Alan Kay

Parent Tips: Teaching Young AI Students

Explore Together: Talk or watch documentaries or read simple articles on AI with your family.
Ask Prompts Questions: Encourage your child to ask "how" and "why" about the technology they are using.
Use Kid-Friendly Tools: Try AI-driven learning games or apps for children.
Take Interactive Courses: Structured courses, like those at 98thPercentile, allow you to learn AI comfortably and effortlessly.

How 98thPercentile Makes AI Fun and Easy

At 98thPercentile, we believe that any child can master the basics of AI if taught appropriately. Our live, online instruction is for Grades 1 - 8 and includes:

Hands-On Projects: Kids construct chatbots, games, and other applications using friendly AI software.
Expert Teachers: Helpful teachers who make difficult concepts simple to understand.
Small Groups: Greater attention for every student.
Flexible Schedules: Weekend and after-school times.

Table: AI skills versus traditional computer skills

Skill Developed	With AI Learning	With Traditional Computer Skills
Logical Reasoning	Yes	Yes
Creativity	High (new solutions, ideas)	Moderate
Real-Life Application	Ordinary life, career futures	General usage (typing, surfing)
Collaboration	Typically (group assignments)	Sometimes
Fun Factor	High (games, stories)	Varies

See Student Success Stories

Conclusion

The Future is Now! AI isn't science fiction- it's creating the world your children will live in tomorrow. By learning about AI today, you're preparing them to invent, create, and lead tomorrow. Through 98thPercentile's hands-on, project-based courses, your child can start the AI journey in a supportive and enjoyable learning environment.