Lesson Objectives

• Understand key AI concepts and terms to build a solid foundation

• Learn the basics of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their role in AI

• Explore the connection between AI and databases, and how they power automation

Do Now

Before we get started, take a moment to jot down two areas in your teaching or classroom management that you think could benefit from AI.

What We’re Working with Today

Today we’re diving into AI basics—specifically, how IA works and why it’s revolutionizing education. By understanding Large Language Models (LLMs) and databases, you’ll have the foundation to begin applying AI concepts in your classroom. If you want to follow along, sign up for free accounts here:

• ChatGPT

I Do, We Do, You Do

I Do: Breaking Down the Basics

Check out the AI Glossary I created for educators.

Here’s a quick overview of key terms:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The ability of machines to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence, like problem-solving or understanding language.

• Large Language Models (LLMs): A machine learning model trained on vast amounts of text data, capable of understanding and generating human-like text, useful for automating written tasks in education. Think of them like supercharged writing assistants. (Examples: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini)

• Databases: Structured collection of data that AI systems rely on to learn and make decisions. In education, databases can store student progress, assignments, and more.

We Do: Let’s Learn Together

Let’s break down how these terms come together:

1. Step 1: Choose an LLM like OpenAI’s ChatGPT to experiment with text generation.

2. Step 2: Test out different prompts. Every time you communicate with an LLM, it is being trained on you—what are you interested in and what you like. Remember, just like with our students, if you aren’t specific with your prompt, you may not get exactly what you’re looking for.

3. Step 3: Ask the LLM to export your results as a downloadable file. You can then upload this to your Google Drive and use that database for an automation later.

4. Step 4: Go the extra step and create a custom GPT or assistant that is trained on your data and responds based on your uploaded references.

You Do: Your Mini Task for the Week

Your task this week: Pick a simple task (like answering emails or tracking parent contact/communication) and explore how an LLM can help you automate it. Start by prompting an LLM to generate responses or suggestions based on certain specifications. Then ask for a downloadable file and upload it to your Google Drive. Now you have a database to use for future automations!

If you can’t think of a task, have it generate a list of quotes for you, like I did in the video. You can take it a step further and ask it to generate an AI image prompt to go with each quote:

You can then run some of the prompts through an AI image generator like Midjourney and marvel at the beauty.

Think-Pair-Share

• Think of 3 classroom tasks that you could improve with AI and automation

• Share your ideas with a colleague and explore how you might work together to test an AI solution

• Post about your automation idea and use the hashtag #Edumated to get feedback and collaborate with other Edumators.

Exit Ticket

Complete your mini task and share your progress on social media! Tag us on:

• Twitter/X: @heymegan

• Instagram: @educationautomated

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mwhsu

Follow us for more AI tips and Join the waitlist for the AI Mastery for Educators Course to dive deeper into AI-driven teaching strategies!