FAQS NAVIGATOR
Our Guide to Common Queries
I’m curious about AI but overwhelmed. What’s the simplest place to start on this site?
How do the book, companion workbook, and free online materials work together?
You can think of them like this:
The Book: Your main guide. It explains AI in plain English with large print, screenshots, and step-by-step examples.
The Companion Workbook (PDF): Gathers all the prompts, checklists, and project pages so you can copy and paste instead of typing long examples.
Online Resources & Courses: Short reference articles, extra diagrams, and topic-specific courses (health, life story, book clubs, etc.).
Most people read a bit of the book, then use the workbook or a course to practice that same skill.
I bought the book from Amazon or another store. How do I get the free companion workbook?
If you own How Seniors Learn AI in any format (paperback or e-book, from any major seller), the Companion Workbook is free for you.
On the workbook page you’ll see a “Download the Workbook” button. Click it, download the PDF, and you’ll begin downloading a PDF file you can open on your computer or tablet. No extra purchase required.
Can I use the workbook without printing a big stack of pages?
Yes. The workbook is a PDF file, and you can use it in three ways:
Open it on a tablet or computer and copy-and-paste prompts into ChatGPT or another AI.
Print only the pages you want (for example, just the health checklists or life story prompts).
Reuse the same pages many times by writing your answers in a notebook instead of on the printout.
You do not need to print the whole thing to benefit from it.
Do I have to read the whole book before joining a book club, course, or coaching session?
No. You can absolutely learn as you go:
Book clubs use suggested reading for each week; you only read the assigned chapters before each meeting.
Courses focus on specific topics (doctor visits, life story writing, etc.) and can be taken even if you’re only a few chapters into the book.
Coaching starts exactly where you are; you don’t have to be “caught up” to get help.
Think of the book as your home base, not a test you must finish first.
My internet is slow and my computer is older. Can I still use your resources?
In most cases, yes:
The book and workbook work fine even if you’re offline.
Private coaching can be done by phone only if video is too slow.
Many online courses are mostly text and short videos, which usually work on older devices.
If you’re unsure, mention your device and internet situation in the contact form, and they can recommend the best options for you.
I’m buying this for a parent or loved one. How can we use it together?
Great idea. A few simple ways to partner:
Sit together for the first chapter or two, reading out loud and trying a prompt together.
Make the most out of your time together by copy-and-pasting prompt from the workbook instead of typing.
Encourage them to join the Facebook group while you’re still “on call”. It’ll help them get comfortable with the free group support.
If they hit a wall, consider a 3-session coaching package so an instructor can guide both of you.
You don’t have to be an AI expert to be supportive; just help them get into the first couple of “wins.” It doesn’t take too many before they are off on their own.
Do I have to join Facebook to get help, or are there other support options?
The free Facebook group is one helpful option, but not the only one:
- You can use the book and workbook completely offline.
- You can ask questions through the contact form on the website.
- You can join coaching sessions or organization workshops for more guided support.
If you’re not comfortable on Facebook, you can still learn AI using just the book, workbook, and courses.
I have vision, hearing, or mobility challenges. Are your materials and sessions accessible?
Yes. The program was designed with older adults in mind:
The book is large-print with high-contrast visuals and generous spacing.
The workbook and book club materials can be printed in large font.
Workshops and coaching use slower pacing, repetition, and plenty of time for questions.
You can also mention any specific needs ahead of time so sessions can be adjusted.
Will you ever ask for my Social Security number, bank account, or passwords?
No. You should never share numbers like:
Social Security or Medicare IDs
Bank or credit card numbers
Passwords or PINs
The program teaches what not to share with AI. Website forms only ask for basic contact details like your name, email, and message. If anything claiming to be from “How Seniors Learn AI” asks for sensitive numbers, treat it as a scam and ignore or delete it.
I’m nervous about being on camera. Can I still get coaching?
Yes. You can choose phone-only sessions instead of video:
You can use a regular phone, no computer needed.
If you start on video and don’t like it, you can switch to audio only.
Your coach can send simple written notes afterward so you don’t have to remember everything.
The goal is to help you feel safe and supported, not to put you on display.
I’m buying this for a parent or loved one. How can we use it together?
Great idea. A few simple ways to partner:
Sit together for the first chapter or two, reading out loud and trying a prompt together.
Make the most out of your time together by copy-and-pasting prompt from the workbook instead of typing.
Encourage them to join the Facebook group while you’re still “on call”. It’ll help them get comfortable with the free group support.
If they hit a wall, consider a 3-session coaching package so an instructor can guide both of you.
You don’t have to be an AI expert to be supportive; just help them get into the first couple of “wins.” It doesn’t take too many before they are off on their own.
Can we use your materials in a mixed group of seniors, caregivers, and younger family members?
Yes. The programs work well for mixed-ability, mixed-age groups:
Seniors, caregivers, and helpers are all welcome.
Activities are written so beginners can simply listen and share stories, while more confident people can try extra steps.
Families often use the life-story and health-organization prompts together.
As long as everyone agrees to the group’s privacy and respect rules, mixed groups are encouraged.
We’re a small library, church, or neighborhood group with a tiny budget. Can we still run a book club or workshop?
Yes. The site is built with small community groups in mind:
- The Free Book Club Program includes a Starter Pack at no cost.
- There are bulk discounts on books for larger orders.
- You can choose between short series, single workshops, or book-club-only formats.
If your budget is tight, start with the free Starter Pack and a few shared books, and ask about bulk pricing when you’re ready.
What happens after I request the Free Book Club Starter Pack?
After you fill out the request form:
- You receive an email with PDF materials, including:
- A leader’s guide with 4-, 5-, and 6-week schedules
- Discussion questions
- Practice activities
- Accessibility and safety tips
- If you asked about bulk books, you’ll get current pricing and options.
- You can print the materials or use them on screen and start planning your group.
You don’t need to create your own curriculum. It’s prepared for you already.
How far in advance should an organization book a workshop series?
Most libraries, senior centers, and churches plan programs 6–12 weeks in advance. As a general guideline:
- For a single workshop, reach out at least 1 month ahead to build interest.
- For a 4–6 week series or train-the-trainer program, aim for 4–8 weeks notice so there’s time for planning, proposals, and materials.
If your timeline is shorter, ask. We have ways to compress the schedule.
Our organization already offers tech classes. How does this fit with what we do now?
Great! These programs complement existing tech classes:
- They focus on AI for real-life tasks (scams, doctor visits, travel, life stories), not just device basics.
- They are designed for mixed-ability groups, including people who are brand-new to AI.
- You can offer them as a special series or as a “next step” after your basic computer or smartphone classes.
It adds an AI layer on top of the skills you already teach.
I might want to become an instructor or group helper. What’s the first step?
If you’re interested in leading:
- Read the book and try the exercises so you’re familiar with the material.
- Visit the Become an Instructor page to see what the role involves.
- Click “Apply to be an instructor” and share your background.
- New instructors go through an onboarding process and shadow at least one session (live or recorded) before leading their own.
It’s usually recommended to have led a local book club using the Free Book Club Starter Pack, or have a background in technical training or education. The most important quality is to have a heart for sharing and a mind to work with folks where they are.
How do I know if I should choose a self-paced course or private coaching?
Use this quick guide:
Choose a course if:
- You like working on your own, pausing videos or reading at your pace.
- You want a clear path on one topic (health visits, life stories, creative projects).
Choose coaching if:
- You have a specific project (a confusing letter, a trip to plan, etc.).
- You want someone to walk you through things live and answer your questions.
- You feel nervous in groups or on your own and want a dedicated guide.
Many people start with the book or a course and add 1–3 coaching sessions for extra support.
What happens between clicking “Schedule a Consultation” and having my first coaching session?
Here’s the typical process:
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation using the link on the coaching page.
In that call, you talk about what you’d like to learn and confirm whether coaching is a good fit.
You choose a single session, 3-session package, or small-group option, and pick a time.
You receive a confirmation email with the video link or phone number and a short questionnaire.
You meet for your session, and afterward you get a simple written summary of what you worked on.
There’s no hard sell; the consultation is to make sure it’s right for you.
Can coaching or workshops be done for people who live outside the United States or who travel often?
Private coaching: Yes, as long as your time zone and internet or phone connection can be arranged, since coaching can be done by video or phone.
In-person workshops: These are mainly offered at U.S.-based libraries, senior centers, churches, and communities.
If you’re outside the U.S. but want group learning, you can ask about online options or using the book club materials with your own local group.