Skip to the prompts

C:\> OPEN LEARNING.TXT

AI Prompts to Learn Anything After 50

Learn a new skill at your pace, get a patient tutor, and understand the stuff everyone's talking about. 5 free prompts. Fill in the [brackets], copy, and paste into ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, or any AI chat.

LearningWorks best in: Any AI chat

Learn any topic like a smart beginner

Use it: When you want to understand something without being talked down to.

Explain [topic] to me like I'm a smart adult who's new to it. Start with a one-paragraph big picture, then the 5 key terms in plain English, then a real-world example related to [your job or hobby], and finish with a 3-question quiz to check whether I got it.
Fill in the blanks

LearningWorks best in: ChatGPT

Make a 30-day plan to learn a skill

Use it: When you've said "I should learn that" one too many times.

Make a 30-day plan to learn [skill] in about [minutes per day] minutes a day. I'm [a total beginner or rusty]. Use free resources where possible, include a quick check-in at the end of each week, and end with a small project I can show someone.
Fill in the blanks

LearningWorks best in: Copilot

Get step-by-step tech help for your exact device

Use it: When the instructions online don't match what's on your screen.

I'm using a [device and model] with [software or app version, if known]. I want to [what you're trying to do]. Give me numbered steps that describe exactly what I'll see on the screen, and tell me what to do if a button or menu isn't where you said it would be.
Fill in the blanks

LearningWorks best in: Any AI chat

Get ready for book club

Use it: The night before book club, when you're halfway through the book.

I'm in a book club reading [book title] by [author]. We're discussing [chapters or sections]. Give me a short, spoiler-free recap of just those parts, 8 discussion questions that don't have obvious answers, and 2 similar books the group might like next.
Fill in the blanks

LearningWorks best in: ChatGPT

Practice a language with an AI partner

Use it: Ten minutes a day before a trip, or to keep your brain sharp.

Let's practice [language]. I'm at a [beginner, intermediate, or rusty] level. Play a [waiter, shopkeeper, or new neighbor] in [city]. Keep your replies short. After each of my replies, correct my mistakes in English, then continue the conversation and make it a little harder as we go.
Fill in the blanks

Never paste Social Security numbers, account numbers, or passwords into an AI chat. AI isn't a doctor, lawyer, or financial advisor.

More prompt topics

← Back to the full Prompt Shelf (search all 55 prompts and see today's prompt of the day) · Not sure which AI to use? Take the AI Finder quiz.

PROMPT_A_DAY.TXT

ONE NEW PROMPT EVERY WEEKDAY

Get one new real-life prompt every weekday in the Gen X AI Show newsletter, with a quick tip on how to use it.

🔒 Privacy: we only use your email to send the newsletter. We never sell or share it, and you can unsubscribe anytime with one click.

Sponsor slotReserved · clearly labeled when live · not an endorsement · no affiliate links · Disclosure