AI Fundamentals with Prompt-a-Thon – Google Gemini & Google Workspace Edition

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Course Overview

This one-day interactive course introduces participants to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the lens of Google Gemini and Google Workspace. Learners explore what AI is, how Gemini works as Google’s multimodal AI system, and how it integrates seamlessly into everyday Workspace tools such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, and Meet.

Participants will gain hands-on experience crafting effective prompts and applying AI capabilities directly within Workspace apps to boost productivity, creativity, and collaboration.

In the afternoon, learners put their new skills into practice through a guided Prompt-a-Thon, working in teams to solve real-world challenges using Gemini and Workspace. The session encourages experimentation, iteration, and responsible AI use.

Who Should Attend

  • Professionals who use Google Workspace and want to integrate AI into their daily work.
  • Non-technical staff seeking to understand and apply AI concepts practically.

Course Objectives

    • Define AI and explain its role in modern productivity.
    • Describe what Google Gemini is and how it integrates across Google Workspace.
    • Identify when and how to use Gemini within Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet.
    • Apply prompting techniques to generate and refine outputs effectively within Gemini and Workspace tools.
    • Collaborate using AI to solve real-world workplace challenges.
    • Reflect on ethical considerations such as bias, privacy, and responsible AI use.

Course Outline

1 - Welcome & Course Overview

  • Instructor introductions
  • Course objectives and daily agenda
  • Prompt-a-Thon preview

2 - Introduction to AI Concepts Overview

  • What is Artificial Intelligence?
  • Common AI terms (LLMs, tokens, context, hallucinations)
  • Examples of AI in the workplace
  • The evolution of AI assistants and productivity tools

3 - Introduction to Google Gemini

  • What is Google Gemini and how it works
  • Gemini’s multimodal capabilities (text, image, data)
  • Gemini vs. other AI tools (overview)
  • Live demo: Exploring Gemini Chat interface
  • Accessing Gemini via Gemini App and Workspace integration tools

4 - Gemini in Google Workspace

Hands-on exploration of Gemini integration across Workspace tools:
  • Gmail: Drafting and summarizing emails
  • Docs: Creating content, rewriting, summarizing, and ideation
  • Sheets: Data generation, analysis, and formula support
  • Slides: Creating and designing presentations
  • Meet: Using Gemini for meeting notes, summaries, and follow-ups
  • Guided mini-exercises within each app

5 - Prompting Fundamentals in Gemini

  • What is prompting and why it matters
  • Anatomy of an effective Gemini prompt
  • Prompt types and examples:
    • Instructional
    • Role-based
    • Contextual / few-shot
    • Chain-of-thought
    • Refinement / iterative
    • Creative prompts
  • Practice activity: Designing and testing prompts in Gemini Chat app

6 - Transition to Prompt-a-Thon

  • Overview of Prompt-a-Thon process and objectives
  • Team setup and role assignments

7 - Kickoff & Instructions

  • Review Prompt-a-Thon goals and rules
  • Focus on problem-solving using Gemini + Workspace

8 - Group Brainstorming

  • Identify workplace challenges (e.g., workflow automation, communication bottlenecks, reporting)
  • Select one challenge per group

9 - Prompt Design & Testing

  • Teams create and refine prompts in Gemini and Workspace tools
  • Test Gemini’s output and iterate on prompt effectiveness
  • Capture examples of before/after outputs

10 - Build a Mini Presentation

  • Create a short presentation in Google Slides summarizing:
    • The problem identified
    • Prompting strategy and iterations
    • Key results or prototype solution

11 - Presentations & Wrap-Up

  • Team presentations and peer feedback identified
  • Facilitator highlights best practices identified
  • Group reflection on ethical AI use identified
  • Closing discussion and key takeaways identified

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Class Dates & Times

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This is a 1-day class

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