Workshop aims to make AI less intimidating

AMES — Iowa adults who are curious about artificial intelligence but unsure where to begin will have a chance to learn the basics in a supportive, hands-on setting Tuesday, Sept. 23.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a new virtual workshop, The ABCs of AI: Workforce Training for the Effective, Ethical Use of AI, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The session is designed for people who are new to generative AI and want to explore what these tools can do, and what they shouldn’t do, in a professional context. The cost to participate is $100, and registration is required.

“AI is here to stay, and people know they should understand it,” said Scott Samuelson, professor of practice with ISU Extension and Outreach and lead instructor for the session. “But there’s still a lot of hesitation: What is this technology really good for, and how do you use it without giving up your judgment or ethics?”

Participants will learn how to use a generative AI platform to complete everyday work tasks more efficiently, such as drafting summaries, generating ideas or reviewing content.

Just as important, they’ll examine where AI falls short: how it can reflect bias, hallucinate incorrect answers or automate in ways that undermine trust.

“People don’t need to become programmers or AI engineers to benefit from this,” Samuelson said. “They just need a working understanding of what the tools can and can’t do. And they need to feel empowered to decide when not to use them.”

The session includes guided demos, time for questions and strategies to help participants plan for using AI effectively and ethically in their own workplaces.

Attendees are encouraged to register for a free AI platform in advance, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Grok or Gemini. Those who need help getting started can log in early for assistance from the instructor.

The workshop is part of a broader initiative from ISU Extension and Outreach’s Community and Economic Development unit, which recently launched a new series of short, practical leadership workshops across Iowa.

The five-part series was built in response to surveys and interviews with more than 300 local leaders and addresses timely challenges such as conflict navigation, meeting management, community engagement and data-driven decision-making.

“These sessions are about equipping Iowans to lead in a changing world,” Samuelson said. “AI is a perfect example, new, confusing, sometimes overhyped, but also full of possibilities when approached with care.”

To explore the full workshop series or to learn how to sponsor a session, visit the Local Government Education webpage.

For more information about The ABCs of AI, contact Esther Crompton, communication specialist, at eecrompt@iastate.edu or Scott Samuelson at scotts@iastate.edu.