Put Your New Skills to Work!
Time to apply everything you've learned in Session 1. Complete these hands-on challenges to solidify your understanding of AI tools for coordinators.
🎯 Session Goals
- Complete at least 3 practical challenges
- Reflect on your learning experience
- Identify immediate applications for your work
- Prepare for Session 2
🏆 Practical Challenges
Choose at least 3 challenges to complete. Start with the easier ones and work your way up!
Challenge 1: Email Draft Challenge
Task: Use ChatGPT to draft 3 different types of emails:
- A welcome email for new students
- A reminder about an upcoming deadline
- A thank you note to department heads
Deliverable: Save your best email draft and note which AI you used and why.
Challenge 2: AI Comparison Report
Task: Ask the same question to ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini:
"What are 5 ways program coordinators can use AI to save time?"
- Compare the responses
- Note differences in style, depth, and suggestions
- Choose which answer you prefer and explain why
Deliverable: A short comparison (can use your course notes feature).
Challenge 3: Create a Program One-Pager
Task: Use Gamma to create a professional one-pager for one of your programs or services:
- Include program overview, benefits, and contact info
- Customize the colors to match your institution
- Add your department logo
- Export as PDF
Deliverable: A polished one-pager ready to share with colleagues.
Challenge 4: Video Announcement
Task: Create a 30-60 second video using Pictory announcing an upcoming event or deadline:
- Write a clear, engaging script
- Let Pictory generate the video
- Add AI voiceover or background music
- Ensure captions are enabled
Deliverable: An exported video ready for social media or email.
Challenge 5: Complete Communication Package
Task: Create a full promotional package for a workshop or event using multiple AI tools:
- Draft announcement email (ChatGPT/Claude)
- Create visual flyer (Gamma)
- Design promotional video (Pictory)
- Write social media posts for 3 platforms (ChatGPT)
Deliverable: A coordinated set of materials ready to launch.
Challenge 6: AI-Powered Workflow
Task: Identify a recurring task in your work and create an AI-assisted workflow:
- Document your current process (step-by-step)
- Identify which steps AI can help with
- Test the AI-assisted workflow
- Measure time saved
- Document the new process with AI prompts to use
Deliverable: A documented workflow you can share with colleagues.
🤔 Reflection Questions
Take 10-15 minutes to reflect on your learning. You can use the Notes section in the course dashboard to record your thoughts.
💭 What surprised you most about AI tools?
Think about any features, capabilities, or results that exceeded your expectations.
💭 Which tool resonated most with your work style?
Consider ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Gamma, or Pictory. Which feels most natural for your needs?
💭 What's one task you'll start doing differently this week?
Identify a specific, immediate application for AI in your daily work.
💭 What concerns or questions do you still have?
Note any uncertainties, ethical concerns, or technical questions. Use the Q&A feature to ask Claude!
💭 How will you introduce these tools to colleagues?
Think about how you might share your knowledge with your team.
✅ Session 1 Completion Checklist
Before moving to Session 2, verify:
💡 Moving Forward: Building Your AI Toolkit
- Daily Practice: Use at least one AI tool every day this week
- Document Prompts: Keep a running list of effective prompts
- Share Wins: Tell a colleague about one thing AI helped you create
- Stay Curious: Experiment with different prompts to see what works best
- Privacy First: Remember to never input sensitive student data
📚 Quick Reference: Your AI Toolkit
ChatGPT
Quick answers, brainstorming, drafts
Claude
Long documents, analysis, formal writing
Gemini
Research, current info, Google integration
Gamma
Presentations, one-pagers, visual content
Pictory
Script-to-video, social media content
🎉 Congratulations!
You've completed Session 1: AI Foundations & Quick Wins!
You now have hands-on experience with 5 powerful AI tools. In Session 2, you'll build your own digital workspace with VSCodium and create custom HTML tools for your program.
🚀 What's Next in Session 2?
Building Your Digital Workspace
- Install and set up VSCodium (free code editor)
- Create a Program Coordinator Portal
- Build a Weekly Report Generator
- Design a Student Resource Hub
- Learn basic HTML with AI assistance
Time Commitment: 3 hours
Prerequisites: Session 1 completion + bring real examples from your work