First of four AI workshop series begins

A new AI workshop series is being hosted by the CSB+SJU Libraries, Instructional Technology and XPD.

This workshop series aims to prepare students to encounter AI in the workplace, especially for recent graduates and interns.

CSB+SJU staff say they were motivated to create this series to help students use AI while being aware of their ethical obligations and AI’s limitations.

Alquin librarian Kelly Butorac has been working on this workshop series.

“We thought it would be a great opportunity for students to learn more about generative AI, how to use it ethically and responsibly, and how it is currently being used in the workplace,” Butorac said. “While generative AI can be useful and often a timesaver, there are many things to consider when using these tools […] It’s important to remember that AI is just another tool in one’s tool belt, and it shouldn’t replace critical thinking skills.”

The series will be split between four workshop events, each with their own AI-related topic.

The first event in the series is the Fundamentals of AI workshop.

This event will cover the developmental process of creating artificial intelligence and the innerworkings of generative AI models.

An overview of AI ethics will also be discussed.

The second event is AI Tools & Strategies.

This workshop will introduce students to various AI tools and help them practice using these systems.

The third workshop is the AI Employer Panel.

Employers from various fields will come to tell students about the ways AI is being used in their professions.

The fourth workshop is AI & Future Planning.

This event will show students how to use AI for job applications, interviews, and professional development, paired with the skills learned from the previous events.

“Recent graduates – and interns – are often asked to learn a new technology or lead the efforts at their companies with a new technology, and we want to set students up for success.

Our goal for the series is that students will walk away feeling confident in their knowledge of generative AI, will know how to use the tools responsibly, will gain insight
on how it is being used in the “real world,” and will learn how to use it in their job search,” Butorac said when asked about her hopes for the series.

Students are invited to attend any of the events in the workshop series and encouraged to attend all four to gain a certificate of completion.

Students that attend will be entered into a give-away for a Gary’s Pizza gift card.

“The more sessions someone attends, the more chances there are to win,” Butorac said.

Registration is not required, but it is encouraged.

Butorac also said she wants to hear student input through these events.

Students that register for the workshop events will get to share their ideas for future educational events.

For students unable to register before the event, she encourages them to reach out to the Student Engagement Librarian, Sarah Gewirtz, to share their ideas for events to follow the completion of this workshop series.

“We would love to hear what questions students have or what they would like to learn more about,” Butorac said.

The first workshop will be held on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. in Quad 264.

The second workshop will be held Thursday, Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. in Quad 170.

The third workshop will be held Thursday, March 5 at 5 p.m. in Quad 170.

The fourth workshop will be held Thursday, March 12 at 5 p.m. in Quad 264.

Students can optionally register for each event through the CSBSJULibraries and CSBSJU_XPD Instagram pages.