What you’ll learn
The problem: Choosing between two options can be confusing when prices, schedules, and other details are hard to compare.
How AI can help: AI can organize the facts you provide and identify questions that still need answers.
In this lesson: You’ll compare two made-up courses, check for missing details, and decide what matters to you.
What you’ll need: A phone, tablet, or computer with an internet connection and access to an AI chat. You can read the example here without opening a chat.
Before you start: Use the made-up example below. Don’t share passwords, account numbers, or sensitive personal or work information.
1. Open an AI chat
Open ChatGPT (opens in a new tab) or another AI chat you use. A free option is available, although access and limits can vary. If asked to sign in or create an account, follow the on-screen instructions.
Keep this lesson open so you can switch between the lesson and the AI chat. If this is new to you, try your first conversation with AI first.
2. Compare two choices
Imagine you’re choosing a beginner course. Copy or type this complete example into the message box and send it:
Your first message:
Compare these two fictional courses. Course A costs $60 total and meets in person on four Tuesday evenings. Course B costs $45 total and offers recorded lessons for four weeks. My budget is $70, I am free Tuesday evenings, and I prefer being able to ask questions. Explain the trade-offs. List what I still need to find out. Do not invent details.
Need help copying and pasting?
On a computer: Select the message above. Copy it with Ctrl+C on Windows or Command+C on a Mac. Switch to your AI chat, click the message box, and paste with Ctrl+V or Command+V.
On a phone or tablet: Touch and hold the message, adjust the selection handles if needed, and choose Copy. Switch to your AI chat, touch and hold the message box, and choose Paste.
If a Copy button doesn’t work, use these steps or type the message yourself. After pasting, send the message.
3. Ask what’s missing
In the same conversation, ask AI to identify what the descriptions don’t tell you:
Your follow-up message:
Do we know whether I can ask questions or get individual feedback in either course? Use only the details I gave you.
What a helpful answer might look like
This example was written for the lesson; it is not a recorded AI response. Your answer may use different words.
- Course A costs $60 and meets in person on Tuesday evenings.
- Course B costs $45 and offers recordings for four weeks.
- Both stated prices are within the $70 budget.
- The descriptions don’t say whether either course offers questions or individual feedback.
4. Check the answer
Compare your answer with the original descriptions:
- Are the costs and schedules correct?
- Does it say both stated prices fit the budget?
- Does it leave question opportunities and feedback as unknown rather than guessing?
You choose what matters most. An in-person course might allow questions, but the notes don’t tell us that, so check with the provider.
Try it with your own task
Try the same approach with two real products, classes, or services. List the details you already know, your spending limit, and what matters most. Check the current price, availability, and terms directly with each provider before deciding.
What if I get stuck?
I can’t find where to type. Look for the message box near the bottom of your AI chat.
The answer isn’t right. If the answer invents a feature, type: “Use only the facts I gave you. Label anything else as unknown.” Then compare its revision with your notes.
I need copying help. Use “Need help copying and pasting?” above, or type the example yourself.
You’ve finished when: You’ve compared the stated facts, found an unanswered question, and decided what to check next.
Try the next lesson: Get help with a confusing screen →
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