Course 4
Using AI with maker industries

Unit 2 – Coding apps, web pages and devices

In this unit we will expand on the coding skills from previous courses and use AI to generate ideas and features for websites and apps, as well as projects for Micro:bit and Raspberry Pi.

Lesson 1: Idea generation

For creating ideas of projects to develop, we can use AI to help the creative process, and to develop projects that are within the right scope for our uses. AI chatbots can hold a context for what we have asked previously, so we will use that to get the sort of results that we want.

INTERACTIVE

Choose 1 or 2 below. We will use a virtual whiteboard for these interactive sessions, such as https://miro.com

1. Web Page or App

To come up with an idea for a website or app to make, use this idea generation exercise.

Think of a type of site or app:

Blog
Photo album
Fan site
Guide to a place
Reviews of places and things

And pair it with a theme:

A hobby you have
A place in the world that you know about
A type of music or artist
A sport
A product or type of product

Use notes on your virtual whiteboard to write down as many ideas from your pairings as possible.

AI INPUT

Now construct a prompt for a chatbot to get more ideas on your pairing. You should add enough detail to get a complete response.

Start your prompt with a description of your knowledge level so that the chatbot can respond at an appropriate level. For example:

I have some basic knowledge of html and css code. Can you suggest some fun ideas for a website I could make that are within my experience level. I want it to be a review site for a product. I like things like ebikes, drones and videography.

I want to make an app using the Adalo platform. I have some experience of it. Can you suggest at least 5 ideas for a new app that I could make. It should be some sort of guide app that can help people find out about places I like visiting.

Keep working with the chatbot to hone your ideas. Use a virtual whiteboard to note down all the ideas and then sort them to find the ones you like best.

If you need to, ask some more questions about these and finally pick your favourite one to move on to the next section.

2. Micro:bit and Raspberry Pi

To develop an idea for these devices, the options are more defined as the technology is more specific. Because the training data for AI chatbots contains instructions and tutorials for these devices, you can use that data by asking for ideas directly. If you have any specific results in mind, make sure to mention them in the prompt.

Example prompts:

Can you suggest 3-5 interesting projects for me to complete on the Micro:bit device. I am at the beginner level.

Please list 5-6 intermediate level projects that I could make using the Raspberry Pi. I want to achieve projects that use the Pi camera or a sensor.

Keep interrogating the chatbot for more details, and more ideas. Use a virtual whiteboard to note down all the ideas and then sort them to find the ones you like best.

If you need to, ask some more questions about these and finally pick your favourite one to work on.

Next Lesson

Course 4 Using AI with maker industries

Unit 2 – Coding apps, web pages and devices

Course 4
Using AI with maker industries