Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Incite Literacy?
Incite Literacy is an online learning platform that helps you build future-ready skills through real projects, creative problem-solving, and AI collaboration.
We combine Project-Based Learning and Design Thinking to create an experience where you own your learning journey. No grades, no lectures—just real work that builds real skills so you can create your future with purpose.
Who is this for?
You’ll thrive here if you’re:
- Curious - You want to learn, even if you don’t have all the answers
- Ready to question things - You want to understand why, not just memorize
- Willing to try new tools - Ready to experiment with AI as your creative partner
- Want to create something real - You’d rather build than just study
- Open to figuring things out - You don’t need perfect instructions for everything
Age: If you can follow directions and use a computer, you’re ready
This might not be for you if:
- You prefer being told exactly what to do
- You’re uncomfortable with technology or AI tools
- You care more about grades than skills
- You avoid feedback or see mistakes as failure
- You’re looking for easy answers or shortcuts
Is this like an online school or course?
No. Incite Literacy is not a traditional school or one-size-fits-all course.
You don’t sit through lectures or complete worksheets. You choose what to work on, build real projects, and develop skills that matter to you and your goals. Think of it as a creative workspace, not a classroom.
How does AI fit into the learning experience?
AI is your collaborative partner, not your replacement. You’ll use tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Canva, and Notion to:
- Research and brainstorm ideas
- Organize and manage projects
- Design and create content
- Automate repetitive tasks
- Get feedback and iterate
We teach you to use AI intelligently—questioning its output, fact-checking information, and building on what it provides. Your ideas and voice always lead.
What learning approach do you use?
We use Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Design Thinking (DT) frameworks. You choose projects that interest you, work at your own pace, and get support when you need it.
Every project builds real skills through hands-on creation. No lectures, no tests—just learning by doing.
Learn more about our frameworks →
How are Incite Literacy projects structured?
Every project follows a consistent framework that gives you clarity while maintaining flexibility:
Project Level:
- The Challenge or Problem: Real-world context and what you’ll tackle
- Driving Question: One powerful question that frames your exploration
- Duration: Flexible - work at your own pace
- Support: Weekly guides, AI collaboration, open discussions, and 1-on-1 help
- Outcome: Real work for your portfolio + skills that transfer everywhere
Weekly Focus (adapt to your pace):
- Week 1: Discover & Define
- Week 2: Design & Build
- Week 3: Test & Iterate
- Week 4: Present & Reflect
Will I be learning alone?
You’ll have independence, but you’re never alone. You can:
- Collaborate with other learners on projects
- Get direct support from facilitators
- Join open discussions and workshops
- Share work and get feedback from the community
- Connect with peers working on similar challenges
How do you assess learning without grades?
We use authentic assessment through:
- Project portfolios - Your actual work shows what you’ve learned
- Self-reflection - You analyze your own growth and challenges
- Peer feedback - Learn from and support other creators
- Skills documentation - Track competencies you’ve developed
- Real-world application - Success is measured by what you can do, not test scores
The proof is in what you create and how you can apply your skills.
What does a typical day look like?
There’s no rigid schedule. You design your day based on:
- Your project stage and goals
- Your energy and focus levels
- Collaboration opportunities
- Your personal learning style
Some days you might research for hours. Others you’ll prototype, get feedback, or dive deep into creation. You own the process.
How do students stay on track without traditional structure?
Freedom within structure. Every project includes:
- Clear expectations and outcomes
- Regular check-ins and milestones
- Feedback loops and revision cycles
- Support from facilitators and peers
- Tools for project management (Notion, Trello)
You choose your approach, but you don’t walk it alone.
What will I actually create?
Real projects that matter to you. Examples include:
- Podcasts and content series
- Digital brands and portfolios
- Business concepts and prototypes
- Community solutions and campaigns
- Apps, websites, and digital tools
- Research projects and innovations
How does this prepare me for the real world?
You’ll develop:
- Tangible portfolio of real projects
- AI collaboration skills employers value
- Communication abilities across media
- Problem-solving experience with complex challenges
- Project management skills using professional tools
- Creative confidence to tackle new situations
These aren’t resume bullet points—they’re demonstrated capabilities.
What about college applications?
While we don’t offer traditional transcripts, you’ll have:
- A portfolio showcasing real work
- Documented skills and competencies
- Project narratives for application essays
- Experience that stands out from traditional applicants
- Support translating your work for admissions
Many colleges now value demonstrated skills and creative work over test scores.
Is this for everyone?
The model works for many learners—especially those who haven’t thrived in traditional systems. Success looks different for each person, but everyone capable of curiosity can build something meaningful here.
That said, this requires:
- Willingness to take ownership
- Comfort with some uncertainty
- Openness to feedback
- Basic tech comfort (we’ll teach the rest)
How much does it cost?
[Pricing information to be added based on business model]
We believe in accessible education and offer:
- Flexible payment options
- Sliding scale pricing
- Value that exceeds traditional tutoring or courses
How do parents/educators know this is legitimate?
Incite Literacy is built on established educational frameworks:
- Project-Based Learning (research-backed since 1918)
- Design Thinking (used by Stanford d.school, IDEO)
- Skills aligned with Common Core and 21st-century competencies
- AI literacy following UNESCO guidelines
We provide:
- Regular progress updates
- Clear learning outcomes
- Parent/educator resources
- Academic alignment documentation (available on request)
Can this supplement traditional school?
Yes. Many learners use Incite Literacy to:
- Explore interests beyond classroom limits
- Build college application portfolios
- Develop skills not taught in school
- Find purpose in their learning
- Connect academic concepts to real applications
We complement rather than compete with traditional education.
What if I’ve never done anything like this?
Perfect. Most learners haven’t. We start where you are and help you:
- Discover your interests and strengths
- Build confidence through small wins
- Develop skills progressively
- Learn from mistakes safely
- Find your creative voice
No experience required—just curiosity and willingness to try.
How do I get started?
Ready to own your learning? Here’s how:
- Explore - Browse project examples and success stories
- Plan - Use the Project Workbook to structure your approach (like training wheels—most learners use it for their first 2-3 projects)
- Connect - Join an info session or reach out with questions
- Start - Choose your first project and begin creating
What is the Incite Literacy Project Workbook?
The Incite Literacy Project Workbook is a step-by-step guide that helps you turn ideas into action. Think of it as training wheels—most successful learners use it for their first 2-3 projects, then naturally outgrow it.
It provides:
- Three project templates (Challenge, Objective, Problem) to structure your thinking
- Week-by-week plans with specific tasks
- Progress tracking with reflection prompts
- AI prompts to use when you’re stuck
- AI safety reflections to build good habits
This is how professionals plan projects—you’re learning a real-world skill, not just completing assignments.
- Scaffolding that you can gradually remove as you build confidence
Think of it as training wheels for project-based learning—use it until you don’t need it anymore.
Do I have to use the workbook?
No. The workbook is a tool, not a requirement. Use it if you:
- Feel overwhelmed starting your first project
- Like structure and checkboxes
- Want help organizing your thoughts
- Need prompts for reflection
- Appreciate having AI prompts ready to use
Skip it if you:
- Already have a clear project plan
- Prefer working more freely
- Have done several projects before
- Learn better through exploration
The workbook is there when you need it, invisible when you don’t.
How do I use the workbook effectively?
For your first project: Follow every step. Fill in all the blanks. Use the tracking sheets. This builds good habits.
For your second project: Skip sections that feel obvious. Maybe you don’t need all the templates anymore.
By your third project: You might just use the project statement template and track key learnings.
Eventually: You won’t need the workbook at all—you’ll have internalized the process.
Tips for success:
- Don’t fill out the entire workbook at once—work through it week by week
- The AI prompts work best when you replace [bracketed text] with your specific project details
- Reflection questions change each week to build different skills
- It’s okay to leave sections blank if they don’t apply
How do the workbook templates connect to PBL and Design Thinking?
The three templates (Challenge, Objective, Problem) all use the same PBL and DT frameworks—they just give you different entry points:
Project-Based Learning (PBL):
- All templates start with a “driving question” (the core of PBL)
- Each leads to sustained inquiry, authentic work, and a public product
- Student voice and choice are built into every path
Design Thinking (DT):
- Challenge template: Starts with Empathize (understanding frustration)
- Objective template: Starts with a skill, backs into Empathize (who needs this?)
- Problem template: Starts with Define (clear problem statement)
All three eventually move through the full Design Thinking cycle: Empathize → Define → Ideate → Prototype → Test. The templates just help you enter the process from wherever you’re starting—with a frustration, a skill, or a problem you’ve identified.
Can I reuse the workbook for multiple projects?
Yes! You can:
- Print/download it and use a fresh copy for each project
- Copy the templates into your own document
- Just use the parts that help you
- Reference old workbooks to see your growth
Many learners keep their completed workbooks as a record of their learning journey.
What if I can’t complete all 4 weeks?
That’s fine. The 4-week structure is a suggestion, not a rule. You might:
- Take 2 weeks for something simple
- Need 8 weeks for something complex
- Pause and come back later
- Combine weeks if you’re moving fast
The timeline adapts to you. What matters is forward progress, not perfect timing.
What is the Incite Literacy Project Workbook?
The Incite Literacy Project Workbook is a step-by-step guide that helps you turn ideas into action. Think of it as training wheels—most successful learners use it for their first 2-3 projects, then naturally outgrow it.
It provides:
- Three project templates (Challenge, Objective, Problem) to structure your thinking
- Week-by-week plans with specific tasks
- Progress tracking with reflection prompts
- AI prompts to use when you’re stuck
- AI safety reflections to build good habits
This is how professionals plan projects—you’re learning a real-world skill, not just completing assignments.
- Scaffolding that you can gradually remove as you build confidence
Think of it as training wheels for project-based learning—use it until you don’t need it anymore.
Do I have to use the workbook?
No. The workbook is a tool, not a requirement. Use it if you:
- Feel overwhelmed starting your first project
- Like structure and checkboxes
- Want help organizing your thoughts
- Need prompts for reflection
- Appreciate having AI prompts ready to use
Skip it if you:
- Already have a clear project plan
- Prefer working more freely
- Have done several projects before
- Learn better through exploration
The workbook is there when you need it, invisible when you don’t.
How do I use the workbook effectively?
For your first project: Follow every step. Fill in all the blanks. Use the tracking sheets. This builds good habits.
For your second project: Skip sections that feel obvious. Maybe you don’t need all the templates anymore.
By your third project: You might just use the project statement template and track key learnings.
Eventually: You won’t need the workbook at all—you’ll have internalized the process.
Tips for success:
- Don’t fill out the entire workbook at once—work through it week by week
- The AI prompts work best when you replace [bracketed text] with your specific project details
- Reflection questions change each week to build different skills
- It’s okay to leave sections blank if they don’t apply
How do the workbook templates connect to PBL and Design Thinking?
The three templates (Challenge, Objective, Problem) all use the same PBL and DT frameworks—they just give you different entry points:
Project-Based Learning (PBL):
- All templates start with a “driving question” (the core of PBL)
- Each leads to sustained inquiry, authentic work, and a public product
- Student voice and choice are built into every path
Design Thinking (DT):
- Challenge template: Starts with Empathize (understanding frustration)
- Objective template: Starts with a skill, backs into Empathize (who needs this?)
- Problem template: Starts with Define (clear problem statement)
All three eventually move through the full Design Thinking cycle: Empathize → Define → Ideate → Prototype → Test. The templates just help you enter the process from wherever you’re starting—with a frustration, a skill, or a problem you’ve identified.
Can I reuse the workbook for multiple projects?
Yes! You can:
- Print/download it and use a fresh copy for each project
- Copy the templates into your own document
- Just use the parts that help you
- Reference old workbooks to see your growth
Many learners keep their completed workbooks as a record of their learning journey.
What if I can’t complete all 4 weeks?
That’s fine. The 4-week structure is a suggestion, not a rule. You might:
- Take 2 weeks for something simple
- Need 8 weeks for something complex
- Pause and come back later
- Combine weeks if you’re moving fast
The timeline adapts to you. What matters is forward progress, not perfect timing.
How is the workbook aligned with Gold Standard PBL?
The workbook follows the research-backed Gold Standard Project Based Learning framework from PBLWorks. Every project includes:
- Challenging Problem or Question - Each template starts with a driving question
- Sustained Inquiry - Week 2 focuses on research and knowledge building
- Authenticity - You identify real people who need your solution
- Student Voice & Choice - Choose your template, adapt the process, question everything
- Reflection - Weekly prompts help you process learning
- Critique & Revision - Built-in feedback loops improve your work
- Public Product - Every project ends with sharing to a real audience
You’re using the same framework that drives innovation at Stanford’s d.school and leading schools worldwide.
What’s the difference between the three workbook templates?
Each template matches a different starting point:
Challenge Template - “How might I…”
- For when something frustrates you
- You know something needs to be better but aren’t sure of the solution
- Validate with many people (is this frustration widespread?)
Objective Template - “My goal is to…”
- For when you have a skill or knowledge to share
- You know what you can do, need to find who needs it
- Start with one person (perfect your approach first)
Problem Template - “The problem is…”
- For when you see something clearly broken
- You can point to what’s wrong and envision it fixed
- Verify with a few people (confirm it’s real)
All lead to the same outcome: real learning through real creation.
Do I need experience with AI to start?
No. We teach you AI literacy from the beginning. You’ll learn to:
- Use AI as a thinking partner, not a homework machine
- Question AI outputs critically
- Fact-check and verify information
- Guide AI with better prompts
- Combine AI capability with your creativity
We start with free tools (ChatGPT, Claude) and show you how to use them responsibly. The goal is intelligent collaboration—you lead, AI supports.
What if I get stuck on a project?
Getting stuck is normal and valuable. When it happens:
Immediate help:
- Use the “Stuck?” AI prompts in your workbook
- Ask for help in community discussions
- Connect with your facilitator
Built-in support:
- Three questions to unstick yourself (in the workbook)
- Common roadblocks and solutions guide
- Peer feedback and collaboration
Remember: obstacles are data. Each challenge teaches you problem-solving skills you’ll use forever.
How long does each project take?
The 4-week structure is a suggestion, not a requirement:
- Simple projects: 2-3 weeks
- Standard projects: 4 weeks (the workbook default)
- Complex projects: 6-8 weeks
- Ongoing projects: Can evolve over months
You can also:
- Pause and return later
- Work on multiple projects
- Combine weeks if moving fast
- Extend weeks if going deep
The timeline adapts to you. Progress matters more than pace.
Can I do projects with friends or classmates?
Yes! Collaboration projects are powerful. When working together:
- All team members use the same workbook template
- Everyone agrees on the project statement
- Divide responsibilities based on strengths
- Use tools like Trello or Notion for coordination
- Learn conflict resolution and compromise
Team projects build different skills than solo work—both are valuable.
What tools are free vs paid?
Most core tools have free versions:
Free AI Tools:
- ChatGPT (free tier)
- Claude (free tier)
- Google Gemini
Free Design/Creation:
- Canva (free tier)
- Google Docs/Slides
- Figma (free for individuals)
Free Organization:
- Notion (free personal plan)
- Trello (free tier)
- Google Drive
We focus on free tools so cost never blocks learning. Paid upgrades are optional, never required.
How is success measured differently here?
Success at Incite Literacy is personal and visible:
Traditional education measures:
- Test scores
- Grade averages
- Completion rates
- Standardized benchmarks
We measure:
- Projects completed
- Skills demonstrated
- Problems solved
- Growth documented
- Confidence earned
You know you’re succeeding when you complete something real, grow through challenges, and build momentum for the next project. No grades needed—your work speaks for itself.
Still have questions?
Have more questions? Learn more in a consultation →
Remember: Incite Literacy is built for explorers, not box-checkers. If you’re ready to create something real, you’re ready for this.