Understanding AI
A practical guide to using AI well.
Make a PACT with AI
AI is more than a tool.
AI can answer questions, explain ideas, help you learn, research, write, plan, analyze, and create.
But using AI well is about more than knowing what it can do. It is about knowing how to work with it—and knowing when to question, refine, or check what it gives you.
PACT stands for
Pinpoint — Be clear about what you're trying to accomplish.
Ask — Give AI a clear question or request.
Converse — Ask follow-up questions, refine the request, and explore the ideas.
Test — Check the result before you rely on it.
Pinpoint → Ask → Converse → Test
See an idea from the book
The Global AI Assistant Marketplace
One marketplace. Many choices. Different strengths.
A short narrated example from Understanding AI.
Go deeper with the book.
The book takes you much further.
23 chapters take you from the basics of AI through questions and conversation, learning, research, decision-making, creativity, everyday use, and the larger questions AI raises.
Eight appendices provide additional reference material, practical frameworks, prompts, projects, and an AI glossary.
A companion website provides additional sources and details as well as updates on AI assistants and the overall AI marketplace.
Understanding AI is meant to be something you can read, use, and return to as you become more comfortable working with AI.