By Dan Be Kim, Blerim Jashari, and Shreya Singhal
We created this image on Adobe Firefly to represent AI as a versatile toolkit, accessible to everyone, not just the tech-savvy. The minimalist design reflects our commitment to simplicity and inclusivity, while the range of pastel colors symbolizes the diversity of AI tools available. Through this colorful toolkit, we aim to convey that AI is a valuable, approachable resource — empowering people from all backgrounds to explore and benefit from it.
Context
Through countless conversations with classmates and educators both within and beyond Harvard, we’ve sensed a shared curiosity — and sometimes hesitation — about using AI tools like ChatGPT. Many of our peers wonder how these tools could support their projects or ignite new avenues of creativity. Recognizing this need, we felt compelled to create a workshop series on AI literacy tailored for our HGSE community. Our goal is heartfelt and straightforward: to show that AI isn’t reserved for the tech-savvy but is accessible and valuable to anyone willing to explore it thoughtfully. We aim to challenge the notion of AI as a forbidden tool that diminishes human creativity or diminishes human ingenuity. Instead, we believe AI can be a powerful thought partner and productivity engine when coupled with the right human touch. By curating a hands-on and interactive learning experience, we’re intentionally reversing the traditional order of “theory to practice”. By encouraging exploration and tinkering first and then providing scaffolded and interactive learning opportunities to delve into the ethical considerations and dilemmas surrounding AI, our workshop takes a practice to theory approach.
Understanding the Problem
In our educational circles, we’ve noticed that conversations about AI often zero in on risks and ethical concerns. While important, this focus can overshadow AI’s practical benefits. Current AI literacy efforts tend to emphasize technical skills, leaving many non-technical educators feeling excluded or overwhelmed.
Workshop Format
Critical Thinking
We start each workshop by collectively critiquing AI outputs. This collaborative exercise helps us all see that while AI provides tools, it’s our creative ideas that truly drive projects.
Practical Application
Participants roll up their sleeves and dive into hands-on learning, experimenting with AI tools firsthand. We as facilitators are present every step of the way to offer guidance and support.
Composite AI
In our first hands-on workshop —a six-hour deep dive into AI-powered lesson planning — we witnessed the incredible power of group learning. Collaborating together, participants benefited from a diverse range of perspectives, learning to use a variety of AI tools in integrated and complementary ways. In our workshop, we addressed the common overreliance on ChatGPT by introducing a range of other tools, including text-to-image, video, and animation models, AI-powered search engines, and design tools.
Reflection
At the end of each workshop, participants reflect on their experiences. They consider not only the practical benefits of integrating AI into their personal or academic projects, but also the potential pitfalls and ethical considerations. This reflection helps us all develop a more nuanced understanding of AI’s role in our work.
With love,
Blerim, Dan Be & Shreya
