October 12, 2026
AI workshop to help faculty, staff move from curious to capable
SIU Carbondale faculty and staff can gain practical experience using artificial intelligence during a hands-on workshop on Friday, Oct. 23, in Morris Library’s DeJarnett American Heritage Room.
“Understanding AI: Curious to Comfortable to Capable,” is from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will explore questions around the use of AI, see examples of its potential, learn how to apply AI to everyday and complex tasks and work with AI through various scenarios. No prior AI experience is required and those who are comfortable with AI will learn techniques to leverage its power.
Seating for the free workshop is limited. RSVP or send questions to Olinda McKaughn in the Office of Information Technology at olindamckaughn@siu.edu by Tuesday, Oct. 20. Participants should bring their laptops to learn and try AI techniques. Facilitators will be available throughout the session to provide guidance.
McKaughn and Henry Hexmoor, professor in the School of Computing, are leading the workshop. The workshop is not a discussion forum on AI policy, perspectives, or infrastructure — it is a learning opportunity to understand AI better and learn techniques to use it.
Emphasizes safety
The workshop is meant to cover safe, responsible use of AI tools and the importance of professional judgment. Participants will create and improve AI prompts, review AI-generated work for accuracy, tone and suitability, and then refine their requests to produce stronger results.
The final part of the workshop will introduce the Grow with Google (GwG) AI Professional Certificate — a flexible online program designed to build practical AI skills through hands-on activities. All participants will receive a no-cost license to the Coursera learning platform, which supports GwG and provides access to the AI Professional Certificate content. This program will allow participants after the workshop to explore AI as their interest dictates, learn at their own pace, practice basic and advanced AI skills, and apply AI to real-world needs.