// FREE COURSE · NO SIGN-UP
AI, without the mystery
A free, friendly course from the family-run firm that has been untangling technology in Bournemouth since 1995. Seven short lessons explain what AI chatbots really are, what they do brilliantly and what to keep to yourself — all at your own pace, with a printable certificate at the end. No jargon, nothing to install, nothing to pay.
- ● 100% free
- ● 7 short lessons
- ● Certificate & checklist
Welcome
// WHAT’S IN THIS COURSE
7 short lessons, at your own pace
Every lesson ends with one gentle “what would you do?” question — no scores, no time limits, no pass marks. Here’s what you’ll cover:
- What AI chat actually is. You have probably heard the letters AI everywhere lately — on the news, from the grandchildren, perhaps at the surgery.
- Meeting an AI helper safely. Here is some lovely news: you do not need to buy anything or install anything.
- What it is brilliant at. This is the joyful part.
- Its big weakness: confidently wrong. Now for the most important lesson in the course.
- What never to tell it. Chatting with an AI helper can feel private, like writing in a diary.
- AI scams to watch for. AI has handed scammers some new tools, and forewarned is forearmed.
- Try it today: your first questions. The best way to take the mystery out of AI is simply to have a go.
// KEEP THIS BY THE COMPUTER
Your one-page checklist
The whole course, boiled down to the reminders that matter. Print it and keep it near the computer.
- Remember what AI chat is: a well-read helper that predicts words - clever, but not a mind and not always right.
- Try one free helper in your web browser: chatgpt.com, copilot.microsoft.com or gemini.google.com. Nothing to install.
- Use it for the good stuff: drafting letters, explaining jargon, recipes from leftovers, hobby research, birthday poems.
- Double-check any fact that matters before acting on it - especially health, legal and money questions.
- Never type passwords, PINs, card numbers or bank details into a chatbot.
- Keep full personal details out of chats - use placeholders like [account number] in draft letters.
- Agree a family codeword to defeat AI voice-cloning calls asking for money.
- For any urgent call about money: hang up and ring the person back on a number you already trust.
- If a scam strikes: dial 159 to reach your bank, forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, and tell Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
- Stuck or unsure? Call 365 Techies on 01202 775566 - friendly local help since 1995.
// GOOD QUESTIONS
Frequently asked
Is this course really free?
Completely free, with no catch and no card details asked for. We are a family-run IT firm that has looked after Bournemouth homes and businesses since 1995, and this course is our way of helping local people feel confident with new technology.
Do I need to install anything or create an account?
Nothing at all for this course — it runs right here in your web browser. The AI helpers themselves (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini) may ask you to sign in with an email address for their free versions, but that is entirely up to you and can wait until you feel ready.
Is the certificate a qualification?
It is a 365 Techies certificate of completion — a lovely thing to print, keep or show the grandchildren, but not an accredited qualification. The real prize is the confidence and the safe habits you take away with you.
I have never used AI before. Is this too advanced for me?
Quite the opposite — it was written especially for complete beginners. Every idea is explained in plain English, every lesson is short, and there is no timer, no pass mark and no way to fail. You set the pace, and you can revisit any lesson as often as you like.
Is AI actually safe to use?
Yes — used with the habits in this course. Ask it anything you like, but double-check facts that matter, keep passwords and bank details out of your chats, and never let it make medical, legal or money decisions on its own. Follow those rules and it is a genuinely helpful companion.
Can I get help in person?
Absolutely. We run relaxed, friendly in-person lessons at the Kinson Community Centre in Bournemouth — no question too small. Call us on 01202 775566 and we will find a time that suits you.
Rather learn with a friendly human?
We run patient, plain-English computer lessons at the Kinson Community Centre — and we’re on the phone Mon–Fri, 9–5. No silly questions, ever.
01202 775566 · help@365techies.co.uk · MON–FRI 9AM–5PM
// MORE FREE COURSES
Keep going — they’re all free
💬 WhatsApp, Step by Step
The messages, the photos, the video calls — all easier than you think, and all free over Wi-Fi. This free course walks you through WhatsApp one…
7 SHORT LESSONS · ABOUT 35 MINUTES · FREE · CERTIFICATE
Start the course →📧 Email, Comfortably
A free, friendly course from the family-run firm that has been untangling technology in Bournemouth since 1995. Seven short lessons take the worry…
7 SHORT LESSONS · ABOUT 40 MINUTES · FREE · CERTIFICATE
Start the course →📱 Your Android Phone, Tamed
A free, gentle course for anyone who wants to feel at home on their Android phone. Seven short lessons you can take entirely at your own pace &mdash…
7 SHORT LESSONS · ABOUT 25 MINUTES · FREE · CERTIFICATE
Start the course →🎓 All free courses
Every course in one place — pick whatever interests you. No sign-up, ever.
See them all →