Lesson 1 of 7
Lesson 1 — What is Automation?
Why we automate, what a workflow is, and the difference between a script, a bot and a robot.
Learn it
Automation means making a computer do a task that a person used to do, again and again, without getting bored or making mistakes.
A workflow is a sequence of steps: a trigger starts it, actions happen, and a result is produced or saved.
A script is a small program you write. A bot follows rules inside one app. A workflow connects several apps. RPA (Robotic Process Automation) clicks through existing apps like a human would.
Automation is best for tasks that are repetitive, rule-based and frequent. It is not good for tasks needing empathy, creativity or one-off judgement.
Key terms
- Workflow
- A sequence of automated steps from trigger to result.
- Trigger
- The event that starts a workflow.
- Action
- A step that the workflow performs.
- API
- A way for programs to talk to each other over a network.
- RPA
- Robotic Process Automation — software that mimics a human clicking through apps.
Should we automate this?
Decide which of these tasks are good candidates.
- 1Daily backup report: Repetitive, rule-based, high value — excellent candidate.
- 2Writing a sympathy letter: Needs human judgement and empathy — not a good candidate.
- 3Sorting 1,000 support tickets by keywords: Repetitive and rule-based — automate with conditions.
- 4Approving a school trip risk assessment: Needs human responsibility and context — keep manual.
A simple morning workflow
textTRIGGER: Every weekday at 07:00
ACTION 1: Check the weather API for Prague
ACTION 2: If rain is forecast, post a message in #general
ACTION 3: Log the forecast in a shared sheet
RESULT: Staff know to bring umbrellas without anyone checking manually.A trigger, three actions, a condition and a clear result. This is the shape of almost every workflow.
Try it
Is this task a good candidate for automation?
Sending a welcome email to every new user who signs up.
Designing a new logo for a client.
Copying data from one spreadsheet to another every Friday.
Deciding whether to suspend a student.
Challenge
Pick one boring, repetitive task you do at school or home. Describe the trigger, two actions and the result. Explain why automation fits it.
Pick whichever way suits you — every mode earns the same bonus XP.
Write at least 40 more characters to submit.
Mark your own work
Guided walkthrough — 0/3 clues revealed
- Clue 1 locked — reveal it only if you get stuck.
- Clue 2 locked — reveal it only if you get stuck.
- Clue 3 locked — reveal it only if you get stuck.
Each clue costs 3 XP (never below 15 XP). You'd earn 30 XP right now.