I won't claim this is a very complete answer, but here goes:

> I tried simply connecting my module...

The **capacitor** in that Adafruit demo plays a vital role; it's what creates a fluctuating high/low signal which can be read as a digital frequency ([see here][1]).  Without that, the corresponding code will not be good for much.

> Can I use the module with an approach similar

Probably yes -- *with a capacitor.*

Without a capacitor, you might be able to get the photoresistor to register a change from very bright to very dark, if it can offer up enough change in resistance to make the difference between a "high" and "low" signal.

Attach a GPIO as an output to VCC set to high,<sup>1</sup> and another one to SIG as an input, and of course, a ground to GND.  Cover the resistor and check the state of the input, then try shining a very bright light on it and check again.  You don't need/can't use the Adafruit code for this since again, that is not the principle it works upon.

I have no idea if that will work but it is simple enough to try and should not damage anything.

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<sup>1. You could probably also use a 3.3V power pin, although I *think* the GPIO is safer.</sup>



  [1]: https://learn.adafruit.com/basic-resistor-sensor-reading-on-raspberry-pi/how-it-works