Lesson 867 of 1169
Why Spell Check Is the AI You've Been Using Forever
Spell check, autocorrect, and grammar tools are AI tools you use every day already.
Explorers · Tools Literacy · ~3 min read
The big idea
Surprise! You've been using AI every day. Spell check, autocorrect, grammar suggestions — all AI. They're so helpful that we forget they're 'AI' at all.
Some examples
- The red squiggle under a misspelled word.
- Autocorrect changing 'teh' to 'the.'
- Suggesting better grammar in your essay.
- Filling in the rest of a word as you type.
Try it!
Look at any device you use. Spot 3 AI tools you didn't realize were AI. Bet you'll find them!
Here's why "Why Spell Check Is the AI You've Been Using Forever" matters: Learning about AI is one of the most important skills you can build for the future! Spell check, autocorrect, and grammar tools are AI tools you use every day already — and knowing how to apply this gives you a concrete advantage.
- Learn what "spell-check" means and why it's important
- Learn what "autocorrect" means and why it's important
- Learn what "everyday-AI" means and why it's important
- 1Find out more about Why Spell Check Is the AI You've Been Using Forever by asking an AI a question about it
- 2Talk to a grown-up about what you learned
- 3Write down one new thing you learned today
Key terms in this lesson
End-of-lesson quiz
Check what stuck
8 questions · Score saves to your progress.
Lesson help
Questions are best handled with a grown-up here.
For this age range, Tendril keeps freeform AI chat paused until parent/guardian consent and child-safe moderation are fully verified. Use the quiz, notes, and related lessons below, or ask a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian to work through the question with you.
Progress saved locally in this browser. Sign in to sync across devices.
Related lessons
Keep going
Explorers · 5 min
Voice Helpers Like Alexa and Siri Are AI Too
When you talk to Alexa, Siri, or Google, you are using AI. Here is what they are good at — and what they get wrong.
Explorers · 40 min
AI in Video Games: Smart Bots and Helpful Hints
When a video game character moves on its own, that is often AI. When the game gives you a hint, AI might be helping. Here is what is going on.
Explorers · 5 min
AI in Photo Editing: Magic Erasers and Filters Explained
When your photo app removes a tourist from your beach picture, that is AI. When a filter ages you 50 years, that is AI too. Here is the basic idea.