THE SHAME-FREE AI GLOSSARY FOR PARENTS

🤖 AI FUNDAMENTALS (What It Is)

AI (Artificial Intelligence)
A computer system that can do tasks that normally need human thinking—like recognizing faces, understanding speech, or writing text.

• Parent-to-kid phrase: "AI is like a really smart robot brain."

Machine Learning
The way AI "learns" by looking at lots of examples and spotting patterns. No feelings or thoughts, just pattern matching.

• Example: You show a computer 1,000 photos of cats and it learns what "cat" looks like.

Neural Network
A type of computer system built to work like a simplified human brain. It’s what helps AI make decisions.

• Think of it like: A big web of "digital brain cells" solving puzzles together.

Large Language Model (LLM)
An AI trained on huge amounts of text (like the entire internet) so it can write, talk, and answer questions.

• ChatGPT is one of these.

Training Data
The info we feed AI to help it learn. Like giving it a million flashcards to study.

Prompt
The question or command you give to an AI tool. It shapes the answer you get.

• Try this: "Write a bedtime story about a brave toaster."

Algorithm
A set of rules or instructions that AI follows to solve a problem.

• In real life: Algorithms help decide what videos your kid sees on YouTube.

Agent
An AI that can take actions on its own, not just answer questions. Like planning steps or booking a meeting.

🛠️ HOW AI WORKS (Behind the Curtain)

Token
A small chunk of text AI understands—like a syllable or word. AI reads and predicts based on these chunks.

Model Weights
The "knowledge knobs" that help AI decide what matters. These are adjusted during training.

Fine-Tuning
Tweaking an AI model with special examples to help it do better at a specific task (like medical advice or writing jokes).

API
A tool that lets apps talk to each other. Many programs use AI through an API.

• Analogy: Like a waiter taking your order and bringing food from the kitchen.

Dataset
The full collection of info used to train AI—like a library of books or images.

Bias (in AI)
When AI reflects unfair patterns from its data. Like if it mostly saw pictures of male doctors, it might think doctors are always male.

Hallucination (AI Term)
When AI confidently makes stuff up. Not lying on purpose—just bad guessing.

Feedback Loops
When AI learns from its own outputs—which can help or hurt, depending on the accuracy.

🌍 WHERE YOUR KIDS ENCOUNTER AI

Recommendation Algorithm
Decides what your child sees next on YouTube, Netflix, TikTok.

• Parent tip: Talk to your child about "why do you think this video was shown to you?"

Generative AI
AI that creates things—like art, music, writing.

• Example: ChatGPT writing a story, or DALL•E drawing a picture.

Deepfake
A fake video or voice that looks and sounds real but was made by AI.

• Teach kids: Always question ultra-realistic videos—"Could this be fake?"

AI Tutor
An app or bot that helps explain schoolwork. (Can be helpful, but doesn’t replace human understanding.)

Facial Recognition
AI that identifies people by looking at their face—used in phones, airports, or even schools.

Predictive Text
Your keyboard guessing your next word—thanks to AI.

Smart Toys
Toys that talk, adapt, or learn from your child. (Always check privacy settings!)

EdTech AI
Educational software that personalizes learning using AI.

🧠 HUMAN SKILLS AI CAN'T REPLACE

Critical Thinking
Looking at info and asking, "Is this true? What’s missing?"

Empathy
Understanding how someone else feels. AI can fake it, but only humans feel it.

Creativity
Coming up with new ideas from your unique brain. AI can remix, but it can’t invent you.

Adaptability
Bouncing back when plans change or problems pop up.

Curiosity
The urge to ask, explore, wonder. AI reacts. You imagine.

Identity Literacy
Knowing who you are in a world of algorithms. Helping your child not just consume tech, but reflect on it.

Emotional Intelligence
Being aware of your emotions and others’—and responding wisely.

Real-Time Relationships
Talking, laughing, disagreeing face-to-face. No bot can replace that.

👣 What’s Next?

You don’t need to master every AI term overnight.
You just need to stay curious—out loud—with your child watching.

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Let’s raise the kind of kids AI can’t replace. 💡