Staff AI Training Brownbag Series - COMPLETED
Welcome to the “Artificial Intelligence and Boise State University Staff” Brownbag Series
Learning Technology Solutions (LTS), part of OIT, invites Boise State Staff to a monthly virtual brownbag series exploring artificial intelligence (AI) from a staff-centered perspective. These sessions are given as a 1 year series that will end after February 2026.
This series is designed to foster discussion, share best practices, and build a community around AI tools and their impact on our work at Boise State.
Why Join?
No sales pitches – just real conversations
Focused on staff needs – AI in the context of your work
Learn together – share insights and best practices
See AI in action – hands-on demonstrations of tools
Engage in discussion – space for questions and exploration
Event Details
📅 When: Monthly, 60-minute
📍 Where: Virtual (Zoom)
🔗 How to Join: Register in advance using the Zoom link
📌 Pro Tip: After registering, add the event to your Google Calendar!
Let’s explore AI together and shape how it supports Boise State staff. Join us for the conversation!
Links to completed presentation Recordings, Notes, and Slideshows
| Event Details | Overview of Presentation |
|---|---|---|
| This presentation took place in March 2025. | What can Artificial Intelligence help us with at work?Guest Speaker: Jill Heney, Department of Writing Studies, Description: AI has the potential to significantly boost productivity by supporting various work tasks, ranging from analyzing information to enhancing communication. In this session, we will cover two uses of AI such as Gemini and ChatGPT: generating ideas and analyzing data. Learn how to apply these functions to your workplace communications, from drafting and editing emails to generating reports to even analyzing data for better decision making. Hear examples of how others on campus are using AI as a valuable ally in optimizing daily workflows.
|
| This presentation took place in April 2025. | Smart & Secure: Using AI While Protecting PrivacyGuest Speaker: Jill Heney, Department of Writing Studies, Description: How can you leverage Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini while minimizing risks and safeguarding privacy? This workshop will introduce campus guidelines for responsible AI use and provide actionable strategies to integrate AI into your workflows securely. Walk away with clear, practical strategies to ensure your AI-powered work aligns with best practices for data protection and ethical use. |
| This Presentation took place in May 2025 | Leveraging Prompt Engineering to get the job done rightDescription: The effectiveness of AI-generated outputs is largely influenced by the prompts we provide. In this session, we will explore the concept of prompt engineering, presenting strategies to formulate effective prompts that enhance the accuracy, relevance, and utility of AI-generated responses. |
| This presentation took place in June 2025 | Using AI Ethically: Aligning Values and Attribution in WritingGuest Speaker: Lorraine Gaudio Description: How can AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini enhance your written communication while staying true to your personal and organizational values? In this workshop, you'll explore ways to map your values to generative AI applications, ensuring responsible and intentional use. You'll also gain insights into emerging best practices for attributing AI-assisted text, helping you maintain transparency and integrity in your work. |
| This presentation took place in July 2025. | Title: Summarizing Emails and Documents with Artificial IntelligenceGuest Speaker: LaKell Archer, Learning Technology Solutions Description: AI-powered summarization tools enable professionals to efficiently process vast quantities of information. In this session, we will delve into how AI can effectively extract essential points from emails and documents, thereby saving time and ensuring that no crucial details are overlooked. |
| This presentation took place in August 2025. | Title: Writing Emails with Artificial Intelligence (Prompt Engineering strikes back!)Guest Speaker: Jackie Throngard, Learning Technology Solutions Description: AI technology can significantly enhance the process of writing clear, concise, and professional emails, all while saving valuable time. In this session, we will explore how AI tools can aid in email composition, adjust tone, and personalize messages, ultimately leading to more efficient and effective communication in the workplace. |
| This presentation took place in Sept. 2025 | Title: Streamline Documentation with Artificial IntelligenceGuest Speaker: Jackie Throngaurd, LTS and BroncoLearn Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) significantly streamlines the documentation process by automating tasks such as formatting, summarizing key points, and generating structured content. In this session, we will delve into AI-driven tools that empower professionals to create, organize, and manage documentation with greater efficiency. |
| This presentation took place in Oct. 2025
| Title: Research and Fact Checking with Artificial IntelligenceGuest Speaker: Jackie Throngard, Learning Technology Solutions and BroncoLearn Description: AI-powered tools have the potential to significantly enhance research and fact-checking by swiftly analyzing extensive volumes of information. In this session, we will delve into how AI can aid in verifying sources, identifying misinformation, and improving the overall research process with increased efficiency and precision. |
| This presentation took place in Nov. 2025
| Title: Enhance Accessibility with Artificial IntelligenceGuest Speaker: Natalie Reiners, EAC Assistant Director Description: AI is transforming accessibility by dismantling obstacles and fostering more inclusive experiences. This session will delve into how AI-driven tools can improve accessibility in both education and the workplace, ranging from automated captions to adaptive technologies. We will examine practical applications and the potential impact of AI in making both digital and physical environments more accessible for everyone. |
| This presentation took place in Dec. 2025 | Title: Analyzing Decisions with Artificial IntelligenceGuest Speaker: Steven Hyde, Ph.D. Description: Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how we make decisions—but using AI isn't simply an on-or-off choice. In this session, we'll explore the 4 Ps Framework of Human-AI Partnership, a practical approach organized around the task type and the level of human versus AI control. Using a simple 2x2 matrix, we'll move beyond binary thinking ("use AI or not") toward deeper insights into how AI is integrated into workflows. We'll examine real-world use cases from each quadrant—including custom GPTs, deep research tasks, AI-driven exploration, and scenarios where AI fully takes the reins—to identify best practices and address common challenges. |
| This presentation took place in Jan. 2026. | Title: Staff Brownbag Artificial Intelligence Showcase!Description: Demonstrate local projects that are using AI. |
| This presentation took place in February 2026. | Title: What’s next? Future of Artificial Intelligence in 2026Guest Speaker: Leif Nelson. Executive Director, Learning Technology Solutions & Research Computing Description: Take a look at new technology on the horizon for AI and discuss how that would impact our future. |