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Artificial Intelligence

How to Use AI Effectively

A quick start guide for faculty who’d rather teach than tinker with technology

Step I - Identify the Need

Creative Commons License
This work by Dr. Georgianna Laws is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Step 1 - Identify the Need

1. Identify the Need

Use the decision tree below to guide you determining what you need your students to do. From there, move to the next step, where you select a prompting framework to match your need.

A. Summarize or communicate a concept
To a specific audience, within clear limits
B. Plan, reflect, or set goals
For a project or performance
C. Analyze a case or scenario
Connect it to action and results
D. Break down a complex problem
Analyze data or review a policy
E. Guide through a process or skill
With clear outcomes
F. Identify a problem and propose solution
Set goals and solve problems
G. Leadership and innovation projects
Change management and innovation
H. Clarify role, action, and context
For curriculum or project
I. Set numeric targets and use data
Define clear outputs
J. Guide in advising or mentoring
Application review and feedback
K. Assign a specific deliverable
In a set format
L. Provide targeted recommendations
Feedback for a specific audience
M. Guide through a process with justification
Sequence or skill development
N. Design curriculum or projects
With clear deliverables
O. Organize complex scenarios
Clinical cases or scenario-driven assignments
P. Clarify task, action, and goal
For lab work or skill assessment
Q. Not sure how to prompt
Teach students how to prompt

Step II - Get the GPT to Execute Your Command

According to the GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) principle, the quality of your input directly influences the quality of the output from AI models.

  1. Prompting Frameworks: There’s a specific prompting framework for every need. If you’re unsure how to create an effective prompt, I recommend using the meta prompting framework, which will guide you in formulating better prompts.
  2. Improving Prompts: This framework can also help you enhance your most frequently used prompts, leading to improved results. 
  3. Custom Solutions: If you regularly perform a specific task that requires consistent input of source files, consider creating a custom GPT. You can skip to step III for guidance on this process.
Creative Commons License
This work by Dr. Georgianna Laws is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Prompting Framework

2. Choose Framework

Select the most appropriate framework that aligns with your identified need(s) from Step 1.

A-C-A Action-Constraints-Audience

Framework Components:

  • Action: What students need to do
  • Constraints: Clear limits on the task
  • Audience: Who the communication is for

Use Case:

Useful for focused, concise assignments where students must address a specific audience within clear constraints. Great for short writing, presentations, or targeted feedback.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Math Example:

  • State the ACTION: Summarize the key steps in solving quadratic equations
  • Specify any CONSTRAINTS: in 150 words
  • Describe the AUDIENCE: for high school students

Now You Try (Template):

• State the ACTION: ____
• Specify any CONSTRAINTS: ____
• Describe the AUDIENCE: ____
A-P-E Action-Purpose-Expectation

Framework Components:

  • Action: What students need to do
  • Purpose: Why they're doing it
  • Expectation: What success looks like

Use Case:

Ideal for reflective tasks where students need to understand the purpose behind their work and have clear expectations for success.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Music Example:

  • State the ACTION: Plan a rehearsal schedule
  • Explain the PURPOSE: to prepare for a public performance
  • Define the EXPECTATION: include specific techniques to address challenging passages

Now You Try (Template):

• State the ACTION: ____
• Explain the PURPOSE: ____
• Define the EXPECTATION: ____
C-A-R-E Context-Action-Results-Example

Framework Components:

  • Context: The situation or scenario
  • Action: What students need to do
  • Results: Expected outcomes
  • Example: Model or illustration

Use Case:

Best for case studies where students need to understand a specific context, take action, and see examples of expected results.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Sociology Example:

  • Describe the CONTEXT: Urban community facing homelessness
  • Specify the ACTION: Develop a community-based intervention
  • Define the RESULTS: Measurable outcomes for reducing homelessness
  • Provide an EXAMPLE: Similar successful intervention from another city

Now You Try (Template):

• Describe the CONTEXT: ____
• Specify the ACTION: ____
• Define the RESULTS: ____
• Provide an EXAMPLE: ____
C-L-A-R Context-Limits-Action-Result

Framework Components:

  • Context: The situation or problem
  • Limits: Constraints or boundaries
  • Action: What students need to do
  • Result: Expected outcome

Use Case:

Effective for analytical tasks where students must work within specific constraints to achieve a defined result.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Accounting Example:

  • Establish the CONTEXT: Quarterly financial statements with potential discrepancies
  • Define the LIMITS: Using only provided documents and GAAP principles
  • Specify the ACTION: Review and identify discrepancies
  • Describe the RESULT: Produce a report of findings with recommendations

Now You Try (Template):

• Establish the CONTEXT: ____
• Define the LIMITS: ____
• Specify the ACTION: ____
• Describe the RESULT: ____
F-L-O-W Function-Level-Output-Win Metric

Framework Components:

  • Function: Purpose of the process
  • Level: Complexity or depth
  • Output: What will be produced
  • Win Metric: How success is measured

Use Case:

Great for process-oriented assignments where students need to create something with a specific function and measurable success criteria.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Computer Science Example:

  • Define the FUNCTION: Develop a user authentication system
  • Specify the LEVEL: For a university portal with multiple user roles
  • Describe the OUTPUT: Working code with documentation
  • Establish the WIN METRIC: System passes security testing with zero critical vulnerabilities

Now You Try (Template):

• Define the FUNCTION: ____
• Specify the LEVEL: ____
• Describe the OUTPUT: ____
• Establish the WIN METRIC: ____
P-G-S Problem-Goal-Solution

Framework Components:

  • Problem: Issue to be addressed
  • Goal: Desired outcome
  • Solution: Proposed approach

Use Case:

Useful for problem-solving assignments where students need to identify an issue, establish goals, and develop solutions.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Athletic Training Example:

  • Identify the PROBLEM: High incidence of ankle sprains in soccer players
  • Establish the GOAL: Reduce ankle injuries by 30% in one season
  • Develop the SOLUTION: Design a targeted exercise program focusing on proprioception and ankle strength

Now You Try (Template):

• Identify the PROBLEM: ____
• Establish the GOAL: ____
• Develop the SOLUTION: ____
P-I-V-O Problem-Insights-Voice-Outcome

Framework Components:

  • Problem: Issue or challenge to address
  • Insights: Analysis and understanding
  • Voice: Perspective or tone to adopt
  • Outcome: Desired result or deliverable

Use Case:

Ideal for leadership projects requiring analysis and strategic recommendations from a specific perspective.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Education Example:

  • Define the PROBLEM: Low student engagement in online courses
  • Provide INSIGHTS: Analysis of engagement metrics and student feedback
  • Specify the VOICE: As an educational technology consultant
  • Describe the OUTCOME: Strategic recommendations to increase engagement by 25%

Now You Try (Template):

• Define the PROBLEM: ____
• Provide INSIGHTS: ____
• Specify the VOICE: ____
• Describe the OUTCOME: ____
R-A-C-E Role-Action-Context-Expectation

Framework Components:

  • Role: Who students are acting as
  • Action: What they need to do
  • Context: Situation or scenario
  • Expectation: Success criteria

Use Case:

Great for curriculum design and role-playing scenarios where students need to understand their role in a specific context.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Marketing Example:

  • Assign the ROLE: Marketing manager at a consumer goods company
  • Define the ACTION: Launch a product campaign
  • Set the CONTEXT: Targeting Gen Z consumers in a digital-first market
  • Clarify the EXPECTATION: Campaign must increase brand awareness by 15% and drive 10,000 website visits

Now You Try (Template):

• Assign the ROLE: ____
• Define the ACTION: ____
• Set the CONTEXT: ____
• Clarify the EXPECTATION: ____
R-A-N-I-O Role-Aim-Numeric Target-Input-Output

Framework Components:

  • Role: Professional identity to assume
  • Aim: Purpose or objective
  • Numeric Target: Measurable goal
  • Input: Resources or data available
  • Output: Deliverable format

Use Case:

Best for data-driven projects requiring specific measurable outcomes and clear deliverables.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Nursing Example:

  • Define the ROLE: Nurse manager on a medical-surgical unit
  • Specify the AIM: Improve patient handoff communication
  • Set the NUMERIC TARGET: Reduce handoff-related errors by 50%
  • Provide the INPUT: Current handoff protocols and error reports
  • Describe the OUTPUT: New standardized handoff procedure with implementation plan

Now You Try (Template):

• Define the ROLE: ____
• Specify the AIM: ____
• Set the NUMERIC TARGET: ____
• Provide the INPUT: ____
• Describe the OUTPUT: ____
R-I-S-E Role-Input-Steps-Expectation

Framework Components:

  • Role: Professional identity to assume
  • Input: Materials to review
  • Steps: Process to follow
  • Expectation: Desired outcome

Use Case:

Effective for advising scenarios where students need to review materials and provide structured feedback.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Biology Example:

  • Assume the ROLE: Faculty research advisor
  • Review the INPUT: Undergraduate student's research proposal
  • Follow these STEPS: Assess methodology, evaluate feasibility, identify knowledge gaps
  • Meet this EXPECTATION: Provide constructive feedback with specific suggestions for improvement

Now You Try (Template):

• Assume the ROLE: ____
• Review the INPUT: ____
• Follow these STEPS: ____
• Meet this EXPECTATION: ____
R-T-A Role-Task-Audience

Framework Components:

  • Role: Professional identity to assume
  • Task: What needs to be done
  • Audience: Who will receive the output

Use Case:

Useful for recommendations and feedback tasks where understanding the audience is crucial.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Finance Example:

  • Adopt the ROLE: Financial advisor
  • Complete this TASK: Develop a retirement plan
  • Address this AUDIENCE: Clients in their 50s nearing retirement

Now You Try (Template):

• Adopt the ROLE: ____
• Complete this TASK: ____
• Address this AUDIENCE: ____
R-T-F Role-Task-Format

Framework Components:

  • Role: Professional identity to assume
  • Task: What needs to be done
  • Format: Structure of the deliverable

Use Case:

Best for assignments requiring specific deliverables in professional formats.

Discipline-Specific Example:

International Business Example:

  • Take on the ROLE: International business consultant
  • Complete this TASK: Conduct a country risk assessment for expanding operations
  • Use this FORMAT: Executive summary with risk matrix and recommendations

Now You Try (Template):

• Take on the ROLE: ____
• Complete this TASK: ____
• Use this FORMAT: ____
S-A-J Sequence-Audience-Justification

Framework Components:

  • Sequence: Steps or process order
  • Audience: Who will use the process
  • Justification: Reasoning for the approach

Use Case:

Great for process analysis where students need to explain the reasoning behind a sequence of steps.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Exercise Science Example:

  • Outline the SEQUENCE: Steps in a dynamic warm-up routine
  • Identify the AUDIENCE: Collegiate athletes
  • Provide JUSTIFICATION: Evidence-based reasons for each exercise and its order

Now You Try (Template):

• Outline the SEQUENCE: ____
• Identify the AUDIENCE: ____
• Provide JUSTIFICATION: ____
S-E-E-D Situation-End Goal-Example-Deliverables

Framework Components:

  • Situation: Current context or problem
  • End Goal: Desired outcome
  • Example: Model or illustration
  • Deliverables: Required outputs

Use Case:

Ideal for curriculum design projects with clear examples and specific deliverables.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Social Entrepreneurship Example:

  • Describe the SITUATION: Food insecurity among college students
  • Define the END GOAL: Establish a sustainable campus food pantry
  • Provide an EXAMPLE: Successful model from another university
  • Specify DELIVERABLES: Business plan, budget, operational guidelines, and marketing materials

Now You Try (Template):

• Describe the SITUATION: ____
• Define the END GOAL: ____
• Provide an EXAMPLE: ____
• Specify DELIVERABLES: ____
S-O-N-A-R Scenario-Objectives-Narrative-Artifacts-Reasoning

Framework Components:

  • Scenario: Case or situation
  • Objectives: Learning goals
  • Narrative: Story or progression
  • Artifacts: Evidence or deliverables
  • Reasoning: Justification for decisions

Use Case:

Best for clinical assignments that require case-based reasoning and evidence-based decision making.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Psychology Example:

  • Present the SCENARIO: 15-year-old patient presenting with symptoms of anxiety
  • Define the OBJECTIVES: Assess symptoms, identify triggers, and develop coping strategies
  • Develop the NARRATIVE: Patient history, family dynamics, and progression of symptoms
  • Specify the ARTIFACTS: Assessment results, treatment plan, and progress notes
  • Require REASONING: Evidence-based justification for chosen interventions

Now You Try (Template):

• Present the SCENARIO: ____
• Define the OBJECTIVES: ____
• Develop the NARRATIVE: ____
• Specify the ARTIFACTS: ____
• Require REASONING: ____
T-A-G Task-Action-Goal

Framework Components:

  • Task: Assignment or challenge
  • Action: Specific steps to take
  • Goal: Desired outcome

Use Case:

Effective for lab work and practical assignments with clear procedures and outcomes.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Rehabilitation Science Example:

  • Define the TASK: Assess range of motion in post-surgical patients
  • Outline the ACTION: Use goniometer to measure joint angles following standard protocol
  • Specify the GOAL: Accurately document baseline measurements and track progress over time

Now You Try (Template):

• Define the TASK: ____
• Outline the ACTION: ____
• Specify the GOAL: ____
Meta Prompting Instruction on effective prompting

Framework Components:

Meta prompting is a technique for teaching effective prompt creation or for getting help when you're not sure how to structure your request.

Use Case:

Instructional support for users unsure of how to prompt or for teaching students how to create effective prompts.

Discipline-Specific Example:

Dramatic Media Example:

  • Ask the AI to help you create an effective prompt for generating a script outline
  • Request guidance on what elements to include in your prompt
  • Ask for examples of well-structured prompts for creative writing tasks

Now You Try (Template):

I need help creating an effective prompt for ____.

What elements should I include in my prompt to get the best results?

Can you provide an example of a well-structured prompt for this purpose?

Step III - Build a Custom ChatGPT

Creating custom GPTs allows you, as faculty, to tailor the AI's capabilities to meet your specific needs or those of your students. You may wish to build a custom GPT for yourself, focusing on the tasks you execute most frequently. Alternatively, you can create one for your students to help them complete essential tasks vital for success in their classes and in college overall. This customization can enhance efficiency and accuracy, streamlining workflows and optimizing the learning experience. Let’s explore how to get started with this process.

Creative Commons License
This work by Dr. Georgianna Laws is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.