This is the first of three live zoom sessions being held May 31, June 7 & 14, and is open to Connecticut librarians and staff.

Following the sessions, the recordings will be made available through our Niche Academy platform for viewing..

The zoom link will be sent to you the day before, or the morning of the session from Library 2.0.

Below is the description for this first session.  

Discover the transformative potential of ChatGPT and generative AI in this three-session bootcamp as we examine the impacts these technologies will have on library professionals and the modern library. Join us as we dive into the world of artificial intelligence, exploring its capabilities and applications, while also becoming aware of best practices and guidelines for ethical and responsible use.

As AI reshapes the information landscape, librarians have an unprecedented opportunity to leverage these tools to enhance their services, support their communities, facilitate innovation, and accentuate and magnify personal and professional learning. Don't miss this chance to stay ahead of the curve as libraries and librarianship are transformed in this new world of learning and creativity. 

"I've always thought of A.I. as the most profound technology humanity is working on... More profound than fire or electricity or anything that we've done in the past." 

"Over time, AI will be the biggest technological shift we see in our lifetimes. It's bigger than the shift from desktop computing to mobile, and it may be bigger than the internet itself... It will touch every sector, every industry, every business function, and significantly change the way we live and work."

- Google CEO, Sundar Pichai

"[This is] the most important advance in technology since the graphical user interface.... The development of AI is as fundamental as the creation of the microprocessor, the personal computer, the Internet, and the mobile phone. It will change the way people work, learn, travel, get health care, and communicate with each other. Entire industries will reorient around it. Businesses will distinguish themselves by how well they use it."

- Bill Gates

OVERVIEW AND SCHEDULE: 

This online bootcamp series is designed to equip librarians with a core understanding of generative AI and with the knowledge and skills that are needed to integrate ChatGPT and other tools into library programming and their personal and professional learning.

The three one-hour sessions will include Q&A time which may go beyond the hour. All sessions can be attended live, will be recorded, and will be available to participants with non-expiring access.

SESSION 1
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024, 2:00 - 3:00 PM US-EASTERN TIME: "The Basics: Understanding ChatGPT and Generative AI"

• INTRODUCTION
  • Why Artificial Intelligence is such a momentous achievement in human history.
  • Introduction to ChatGPT, generative AI, and the larger artificial intelligence landscape. 
• CHATGPT AND LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS (LLMs)
  • How LLMs actually work, why they seem like science fiction, and why they are such powerful tools.
  • ChatGPT drill-down: its capabilities, strengths and weaknesses, and potential help for personal and professional learning.
  • Getting the most out of ChatGPT: from crafting good "prompts" to expert techniques.
  • ChatGPT for personalized topic-specific inquiry, deep learning, and expanding subject-matter expertise.
• AI AND LEARNING
  • How AI will change teaching and learning.
  • Student use: from "generative AI" to "generative teaching" and plagiarism concerns.
  • Critical thinking and data literacy.
  • External expertise, loss of rigor, and the potential for intellectual laziness.
• THE FUTURE
  • Why being knowledgeable in the use of AI will likely be essential to career success.
  • Evaluating common AI fears and reasonable concerns.
  • Cautious optimism: what to expect from AI in the future and "Artificial General Intelligence" (AGI).
  • From using AI tools to "collaborating" with them.
  • How the AI revolution is different than other tech revolutions.