AI Workshops & Consulting
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we work, learn, and make decisions. For educators and organizations, the challenge is not simply understanding the technology—but understanding how to use it thoughtfully and responsibly.
Russell Pearson works with faculty, staff, and institutional teams to explore how AI tools are reshaping teaching, learning, and professional practice. Drawing on experience in education and instructional design, his workshops focus on practical strategies for integrating AI in ways that support learning, maintain academic integrity, and help students develop critical thinking skills in an AI-driven world.
Sessions are designed to be interactive and reflective, helping participants move beyond simple tool demonstrations to deeper conversations about how AI changes the processes we use to think, create, and solve problems.
Workshops can be tailored for conferences, faculty development programs, and institutional training initiatives.
Example Workshop Topics
Your AI Wingman: Build a Chatbot Assistant for Classroom Success
In this hands-on workshop, you'll explore AI and chatbots—even if you’re a complete beginner! Learn the basics of AI chatbots, discover how to craft effective prompts, and see how a personalized AI assistant can simplify your teaching tasks. Engage with interactive demos and practical exercises that show you simple ways to integrate AI into your workflow. Empower your teaching toolkit with the cutting-edge benefits of AI!
Getting Started with AI in Higher Education: What Faculty Need to Know
This introductory workshop demystifies generative AI and explains what today’s tools can and cannot do. We will explore examples relevant to teaching, and student learning. We will discuss the opportunities and challenges AI brings to higher education. By the end, participants will understand the terminology and feel more confident navigating AI conversations in their departments
Everyday AI for Teaching: Practical Tools That Save Time
Faculty will explore AI tools that streamline routine academic tasks such as creating announcements, drafting rubrics, writing emails, or summarizing readings. This session focuses on quick wins that reduce workload without compromising quality. Participants will leave with at least one concrete AI workflow they can apply immediately..
AI for Teaching and Learning: Designing Assignments, Activities, and Assessments
This workshop shows how AI can support creativity in course design, from generating active learning activities to strengthening assignment prompts. We will examine how AI changes what students need to learn and how instructors can design assessments that reduce misuse while emphasizing higher‑order skills. Participants will adapt one of their own assignments for the AI era.
AI as a Teaching Partner: Building Effective Prompts & Classroom Scenarios
AI can serve as a collaborator when instructors know how to prompt it effectively. In this hands‑on session, participants practice writing and refining prompts that generate explanations, examples, case studies, or tutoring dialogues. We will also explore how to build simple AI-driven classroom scenarios that enhance engagement.
Academic Integrity & AI: Assignment Design, Expectations, and Syllabus Statements
As AI becomes more common in student work, clear expectations and mindful assignment design are essential. This session covers common forms of AI misuse, strategies to reduce inappropriate reliance, and the limitations of detection tools. Participants will draft an AI syllabus statement that clearly communicates acceptable use for their courses.
Ethical & Responsible AI Use: Transparency, Privacy, Bias, and Data Security
AI use in education raises important ethical questions around privacy, bias, accuracy, and transparency. This workshop introduces frameworks for evaluating whether an AI workflow is appropriate or FERPA‑safe. Participants will explore why transparency matters and learn how both instructors and students should disclose AI assistance.
Discipline-Specific AI Applications: STEM, Humanities, CTE, and Social Sciences
AI impacts each discipline differently. This session highlights real examples of AI use across fields—from STEM problem‑solving to writing support, artistic creation, and CTE workplace automation. Participants will explore applications relevant to their own discipline and identify one practical use‑case to bring back to their courses.
Preparing for the Future: AI Literacy, Faculty Development, and the Changing Workforce
Higher education plays a central role in preparing students for an AI‑enabled workforce. This session introduces foundational elements of AI literacy relevant to all students. Participants review emerging workforce trends and identify one concrete way to integrate AI literacy into their teaching.
Interested in Bringing a Workshop to Your Institution?
If you are interested in scheduling a workshop or learning more about available sessions, please reach out through the contact page or LinkedIn.