Choosing the Right AI Tool for the Job
A foundational workshop for educators to guide adult migrant learners in identifying, evaluating, and selecting appropriate AI tools for various daily tasks, enhancing their digital literacy and problem-solving skills.

DigCompEdu Competence Area(s)
Digital resources, Teaching & learning, Empowering learners, Facilitating learners’ digital competence
Time
Preparation time 45 minutes
Implementation time 90 minutes
Educator Progression Level
Newcomer
Target groups
Basic Intermediate
Minimum student digital skill level
Basic
Minimum student language level
A2
🎓 Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:
- Identify different categories of AI tools (e.g., text generation, image generation, translation, summarization).
- Evaluate the suitability of various AI tools for specific tasks based on their features and limitations.
- Formulate effective search queries to discover new AI tools for their needs.
- Understand basic criteria for assessing the reliability and safety of an AI tool
Ingredients
| Item / Resource | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| AI Tool Category Chart | 1 per participant | Visual aid for understanding different AI types. |
| Task Scenario Cards | 1 set per pair | Descriptions of daily tasks requiring AI solutions. |
| AI Tool Evaluation Checklist | 1 per participant | Criteria for assessing AI tools. |
| Internet Access | Per participant | For researching and testing AI tools. |
Utensils
- Devices: Laptop or tablet per participant with internet access.
- Internet: Stable Wi-Fi connection.
- Display: Projector and screen for educator demonstrations.
🥣 Preparation – Before Implementation
- Create AI Tool Category Chart: Develop a simple chart categorizing common AI tools (e.g., LLMs for writing/summarizing, image generators, translation apps, speech-to-text). Include 2-3 examples for each category.
- Develop Task Scenario Cards: Create 5-7 cards, each describing a practical task relevant to adult migrants that could be solved or assisted by AI (e.g., “Write a short email to my landlord,” “Translate a doctor’s note,” “Find a recipe for a traditional dish,” “Create a simple image for a community event flyer”).
- Design AI Tool Evaluation Checklist: Create a checklist with criteria such as ease of use, cost (free/paid), language support, accuracy, and privacy considerations.
- Identify Example AI Tools: Select 2-3 free and accessible AI tools from different categories to demonstrate during the lesson (e.g., Google Translate, ChatGPT/Gemini, Canva Magic Media/DALL-E Mini).
🔥 Implementation Steps
- Part 1: Understanding AI Tool Categories (30 mins)
- Introduction: AI Everywhere (10 mins): Begin by discussing how AI is becoming part of daily life. Ask learners if they have used any AI tools and for what purpose. Introduce the idea that different tools are good for different jobs.
- AI Tool Category Overview (10 mins): Present the AI Tool Category Chart. Explain each category with simple examples. Discuss how each type of AI can help with specific problems.
- Matching Tasks to Tools (10 mins): Distribute Task Scenario Cards. In pairs, learners discuss which category of AI tool they think would be most suitable for each task. Share and discuss as a class.
- Part 2: Evaluating and Selecting AI Tools (30 mins)
- Introduction to Evaluation (10 mins): Discuss the importance of choosing the right tool, considering factors beyond just functionality (e.g., ease of use, cost, privacy). Introduce the AI Tool Evaluation Checklist.
- Demonstration & Guided Evaluation (10 mins): Choose one Task Scenario Card (e.g., “Translate a doctor’s note”). Demonstrate using 2 different AI translation tools (e.g., Google Translate vs. DeepL). As you demonstrate, fill out parts of the Evaluation Checklist, highlighting differences in features, accuracy, and user experience.
- Practical Application (10 mins): In pairs, learners choose another Task Scenario Card. They use their devices to quickly research and compare 2-3 AI tools that could solve that task, using the Evaluation Checklist to guide their assessment. They should be prepared to explain their choice.
- Part 3: Discovering New Tools and Best Practices (30 mins)
- Finding New Tools (10 mins): Discuss how to find new AI tools. Demonstrate using a general search engine (e.g., Google) with specific queries (e.g., “best free AI tool for writing emails,” “AI image generator for beginners”). Emphasize looking for reviews and reputable sources.
- Best Practices & Safety (10 mins): Discuss general best practices for using AI tools: always verify information, be mindful of privacy, and understand that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human judgment. Reiterate the importance of not sharing sensitive personal information.
- Open Discussion & Q&A (10 mins): Open the floor for questions. Encourage learners to share any AI tools they’ve discovered or want to learn more about. Discuss how they can continue to explore and integrate AI into their daily lives.
🧂 Differentiation & Inclusion
- For lower digital literacy: Focus on one or two core AI tool categories. Provide pre-selected tools and step-by-step visual guides. Pair with more digitally confident learners.
- For lower language levels (A2): Use simplified language in all materials. Focus on AI tools with strong visual interfaces or direct translation capabilities. Provide pre-written prompts for AI tools.
- For higher language levels (B1+): Encourage critical analysis of AI tool outputs, comparison of advanced features, and exploration of niche AI applications relevant to their professional or personal interests.
🍴 Assessment & Feedback
| Type | Criterion |
| Formative | Observe learners’ participation in discussions and their ability to match tasks to tool categories. Review their completed AI Tool Evaluation Checklists. |
| Summative | Learners successfully select the most appropriate AI tool for a given new task scenario and justify their choice based on the evaluation criteria. |
| Feedback | Collect a brief reflection: “One new AI tool I learned about today is… and I would use it for…” |
⚠️ Ethics, Privacy & Safeguarding
- Data Privacy: Emphasize the importance of reading privacy policies (or summaries) for AI tools and never inputting sensitive personal information into unverified tools.
- Bias & Accuracy: Discuss that AI tools can sometimes produce biased or inaccurate information. Stress the need for critical thinking and cross-referencing information with reliable sources.
- Over-reliance: Caution against over-reliance on AI. Reinforce that AI is a helper, and human judgment and skills remain essential.
🍱 Extensions / Follow‑Ups
- AI Tool Showcase: Learners research and present a new AI tool they found and how it could benefit the class or community.
- Personalized AI Toolkit: Learners create a personalized list of their top 3-5 AI tools for their daily needs.
🔗 Cross‑Subject Link
- Ethical AI Discussion: Explore case studies of AI misuse or ethical dilemmas related to AI.
References & Resources
- [AI Tool Review Websites] (e.g., Futurepedia, AI Tools Directory) – For discovering and comparing AI tools.
- [Privacy Policy Generators/Summarizers] – Tools that help understand privacy policies.
- [Reputable Tech News Sites] – For staying updated on AI developments and ethical discussions