I recently returned from the New England Area Conference (NEAC), where I had the pleasure of presenting a packed workshop on one of my favorite topics—generative AI and its real-world applications. The room was filled with curious minds, eager to explore how to enhance their workflows with artificial intelligence. To kick things off, I gave away copies of my book, which helped set an enthusiastic tone for the rest of the session.
Workshop Focus: From Prompts to Automation
The goal of my workshop was to provide participants with a hands-on, practical understanding of how to navigate the five levels of AI adoption. We didn’t cover all five in depth, but we delved deeply into the first two, touched on the third, and previewed what lies ahead.
🧠 Level 1: Creating Better Prompts
We began with foundational strategies:
- How to write better prompts for large language models (LLMs).
- Why context and specificity matter.
- How to test and refine prompts for improved results.
This stage is all about learning to “talk” to AI in a way that gets meaningful output. Think of it like improving your Google search skills but on steroids.
🛠️ Level 2: Custom GPTs & AI Priming
Next, we explored how to create and call custom GPTs for tailored use cases. This is where the real productivity gains begin to take effect. We discussed:
- The value of AI priming documents and how to structure them.
- Why they’re essential for consistent, high-quality results.
- How to use priming to shape AI responses that reflect your tone, values, and objectives.
This step bridges the gap between generic outputs and deeply personalized AI assistance.
🗂️ NotebookLM: A Learning Game-Changer
One of the tools I demonstrated was NotebookLM, which I’m genuinely excited about. It’s a superb learning and research tool that lets you:
- Upload documents for focused interaction.
- Ask detailed questions based on your own content.
- Streamline research, content development, and ideation.
For educators, writers, and lifelong learners—this is a must-have.
⚙️ Automation with Zapier & Gmail
To wrap things up, we pushed into light automation territory:
- Connecting Zapier with Gmail to automate workflows.
- Exploring simple task automations like follow-up emails, meeting reminders, and data logging.
- Seeing how even light automation can reclaim hours each week.
It’s not just about “doing more”—it’s about freeing up time to do what matters most.
Why This Matters
The workshop wasn’t just about tools or tricks. It was about helping people reimagine what’s possible in their professional lives, especially in education, training, and content creation.
Participants left with:
- A deeper understanding of how AI can augment—not replace—our work.
- A toolkit of real-world applications they could start using immediately.
- A clearer path forward for adopting AI thoughtfully and effectively.
Final Thoughts: Where We Go From Here
This workshop was just the beginning. As AI continues to evolve, so will the ways we teach, learn, and work. I’m excited to continue exploring these frontiers with others who share my passion for growth and transformation.
If you’re curious about any of the tools I mentioned—or want help applying AI in your own workflow—don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s custom GPTs, instructional design, or automating your onboarding process, there’s a world of possibilities waiting.
Want More Like This?
📘 Check out my latest book: AI for Learning Leaders
🔗 Let’s connect on LinkedIn
Photo by Beyzaa Yurtkuran
Photo by Google DeepMind
