Session 1: AI Foundations & Quick Wins

3-Hour Hands-On Introduction for Program Coordinators

⚠️ Privacy First: Never paste student names, IDs, grades, or any personal information into these AI tools. Use fictional data for all exercises today.

0:00-0:30 Welcome & Tool Setup

Quick Setup Checklist

Let's get everyone ready! Open these websites in separate browser tabs:

  • ChatGPT: chat.openai.com (create free account)
  • Claude: claude.ai (create free account)
  • Gemini: gemini.google.com (sign in with Google)
  • Gamma: gamma.app (we'll use this in Part 3)
  • Pictory: pictory.ai (we'll use this in Part 4)
Can't create accounts? Partner with someone who has access, or use the demo screenshots we'll provide.

🤖 Text AI Tools

ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini

For writing, analysis, ideas

🎨 Gamma

AI presentation maker

One-pagers in 2 minutes

🎬 Pictory

Text to video

30-second clips instantly

0:30-1:30 Compare AI Assistants: Your First Tasks

Goal: Try the same task in all 3 AI tools to see which one fits your work style best.

1 Task 1: Draft an Email (10 minutes)

Copy this exact prompt into ChatGPT, Claude, AND Gemini:

Write a friendly email to faculty about our upcoming curriculum review meeting. Details: Thursday, March 20, 2pm, Room 305. We'll discuss: gen ed requirements, new course proposals, and assessment updates. Keep it under 150 words and include a clear subject line.

Steps:

  1. Paste this prompt into ChatGPT first
  2. Copy the result to a document
  3. Paste the same prompt into Claude
  4. Copy Claude's result
  5. Finally, try it in Gemini
  6. Compare: Which email would you actually send?

2 Task 2: Create a Meeting Agenda (10 minutes)

Now try this prompt in all three tools:

Create a 1-hour meeting agenda for our Program Advisory Board. Include: welcome, industry trends discussion, curriculum updates, student success metrics, and action items. Add time allocations for each section.

Notice the differences:

  • Which AI gives the best formatting?
  • Which includes the most practical details?
  • Which would save you the most time?

3 Task 3: Simplify Complex Text (10 minutes)

Let's test how each AI handles simplification:

Rewrite this for students in simple, friendly language: "Prerequisites must be satisfied prior to enrollment. Students failing to meet prerequisite requirements will be administratively withdrawn. Prerequisite overrides require department chair approval and submission of form ADM-227." Make it encouraging and clear.

ChatGPT Notes

Best for:

  • Quick drafts
  • Creative ideas
  • Conversational tone

Your rating: ___/5

Claude Notes

Best for:

  • Detailed analysis
  • Professional writing
  • Following instructions

Your rating: ___/5

Gemini Notes

Best for:

  • Google integration
  • Research tasks
  • Quick summaries

Your rating: ___/5

1:30-2:00 Create a One-Pager with Gamma

Quick Presentation: "5 Ways We Support Student Success"

Follow these exact steps:

  1. Go to gamma.app and sign in
  2. Click "Create new" → "Generate"
  3. Choose "One-pager" format
  4. Paste this prompt:
Create a one-page visual guide titled "5 Ways We Support Student Success" Include: Academic Advising, Tutoring Center, Career Services, Mental Health Resources, and Financial Aid Counseling. Make it colorful and encouraging. Target audience: new students.
  1. Click "Generate" and wait 30 seconds
  2. Choose a color theme you like
  3. Click "Export" → "PDF" to save
Success! You just created a professional handout in under 3 minutes. This would normally take 30-45 minutes in PowerPoint.

2:00-2:30 Make a Quick Video with Pictory

Create a 30-Second Welcome Video

Simple steps to your first AI video:

  1. Go to pictory.ai and start free trial
  2. Choose "Script to Video"
  3. Paste this script:
Welcome to Spring Registration! Registration opens Monday, March 10th at 8 AM. Before you register: Meet with your advisor. Check your degree audit. Clear any holds on your account. Need help? Visit the Advising Center in Building A, Room 100. We're here to support your success!
  1. Click "Proceed" → Choose any template
  2. Let Pictory auto-select video clips (30 seconds)
  3. Add background music (optional)
  4. Click "Generate" and download
This video can be embedded in emails, posted on your program website, or shared on social media. No video editing skills required!

2:30-3:00 Your Turn: Choose Your Challenge

Pick ONE Challenge to Complete:

Option A: The Schedule Optimizer

Ask your favorite AI: "I need to schedule 5 faculty meetings, 3 student orientations, and 2 advisory board sessions this semester. Create a balanced monthly schedule for March through May. Avoid Mondays and Fridays."

Option B: The FAQ Generator

Ask your favorite AI: "Create 10 FAQs about changing majors. Include questions about timing, requirements, GPA impact, and financial aid. Write answers in encouraging student-friendly language."

Option C: The Data Presenter

Use Gamma to create: "A one-page infographic showing our program stats: 250 enrolled students, 92% retention rate, 85% job placement, $55,000 average starting salary. Make it visually impressive."

🎯 Session 1 Wrap-Up

Quick Reflection (5 minutes)

Share with your table or write down:

  1. Which AI tool felt most natural to use? Why?
  2. What task from today could save you the most time at work?
  3. What's one thing you'll try tomorrow with these tools?
  4. What concerns do you still have about using AI?
🎉 Congratulations! You've just completed Session 1. You can now:

Next Session: We'll build dashboards and automate workflows!