The AI Terms Reorder Challenge

This activity kicks off discussions and introduces key AI concepts.

When?

I use this activity as a fun and interactive way to introduce key AI concepts and get participants comfortable with the cards.

Participants will understand that "Artificial Intelligence" is an umbrella term without much precise meaning. They’ll also grasp the differences between machine learning and deep learning. This activity fosters discussion and collaboration right from the start.

My tip: I know most people don’t have the knowledge to get the answer—this is intentional! See Learning Through Discovery for more details.

Cards

These cards are available in the 1€ Starter Kit.

Materials

For large groups: Stormz Quiz template
For virtual sessions: Miro template

Trainer's Guide

Make sure you’re familiar with all the AI terms before running this activity. I’ve prepared a Glossary of AI Terms to help you review and understand the key concepts.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preparation - Spread the Concept Cards

Place the four AI Term cards on each table.

Step 2: Reorder the Cards

Ask participants to arrange the cards in order, starting with the most general AI concept and ending with the most specific.

"Order these concepts from the most general to the most specific."

Have each table share their order with the group.

The solution is: AI > Machine Learning > Deep Learning > Transformer.

👉 See Glossary of AI Terms

Step 4: Group Discussion

Lead a group discussion to compare solutions and see if the participants can agree on a shared order.

Step 5: Explain the Terms

Present your slides and explain the terms. Discuss how the current AI revolution was made possible thanks to the Transformer architecture, and relate it to the concept of a Large Language Model.

Variants

Bonus Question: Neural Network
For groups that finish early, provide the Neural Network card and ask them to place it "next to the other AI term that is very similar." The correct placement is next to Deep Learning. Refer to the Trainer's Guide on AI Terms for additional details.
Large Groups: Collect Answers with Stormz
I’ve created a Stormz template with a reorder question. It’s important to still use a physical deck per table (3–6 participants) to maintain a hands-on dynamic, but assign one digital scribe to use Stormz to submit the solutions. When time is up, display the collective solutions on a big screen and debrief during Step 5.
Digital Setup: Collaborate with Miro
For virtual workshops, use the Miro template. Duplicate the activity space (one for each team of three or four participants). Assign teams to their spaces, place them in breakout rooms, and have them drag and drop the cards into order.

What’s Next?

I usually show a couple of slides to introduce other key concepts, such as Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI (GenAI).

After that, I move on to the Inside the Black Box activity for a deeper dive into how Large Language Models work.

Opening - AI Rubber Band

Reflect on personal motivations and blockers in adopting AI.

LLM - Inside the Black Box

Through roleplay, participants discover that an LLM is essentially a next-word prediction machine. A fun way to demystify AI.