Session 2 AI Playground

Building A Quick Resource App Using Claude AI

This session explores how a 6-12 instructional technology specialist used Claude AI to design and deploy two custom Chrome extensions for Westmoreland County Public Schools — one for teachers, one for students. With no prior programming experience required, attendees will see how conversational AI can build real, district-deployable tools including a tech support chatbot, daily pedagogical tip rotations, Brisk Teaching and MagicSchool AI integration, staff resource hubs, and student digital literacy guidance. Participants will leave with a replicable framework for using AI as a development partner to solve school-specific technology challenges.

FOIA Meets AI
Step into the future of public transparency in this interactive lab for FOIA officers, public servants, and information professionals. Using Google’s GEM (Generative Experience Model), participants will explore how AI can intelligently scan the Virginia Code to streamline Freedom of Information Act requests and improve public records management.

Through hands-on demonstrations, attendees will see how AI can quickly interpret legal language, provide actionable insights, and support compliance, all while enhancing transparency and efficiency. This session empowers public servants to leverage cutting-edge technology for smarter, faster, and more effective FOIA processes.

Gems: Polishing Plans and Feedback
Ready to move from "AI curious" to an AI game-changer? Join our team of high school English teachers and instructional coach for a high-energy, hands-on lab. We’re diving into "Gems"—customized tools built to handle the heavy lifting of student feedback and lesson scaffolding. Test-drive our Gems to see how they provide instant, rubric-aligned feedback and crystal-clear structures for your daily plans. Leave with ideas that might lighten your load and keep students on track.

Next-Gen Storytelling: AI-Powered Video
See AI video creation come to life in this 10-minute Turbo Talk! Using a focused script, the presenter will show Synthesia AI in action, generating professional videos in real time, customizing virtual avatars, and bringing scripted content to life.

Attendees will witness the process from script to finished video, gain practical tips for creating engaging AI-driven content, and leave inspired with ideas for leveraging AI in communications, training, and public engagement—all in a fast-paced, high-energy format.

RTF Prompting: Precision Excellence
Master the "Role-Task-Format" (RTF) method to unlock high-quality AI outputs in this fast-paced session. Whether you are designing a rigorous lesson, drafting a department-wide memo, or analyzing data, the way you prompt matters. We will explore how assigning a specific "Role," defining a clear "Task," and requesting a precise "Format" can elevate the quality of your work while significantly reducing workload. This session is open to all staff looking to maximize efficiency and support division goals through innovative digital communication. Participants will leave with a clear framework to immediately empower their daily professional practice.

Tech Smarter, Not Harder
Stafford's ILCs will be in the lab to assist teachers with any manner of AI tools including prompt engineering, Gemini Gems, Notebook LM, Google App Scripts, Brisk AI, Google AI Studio

Session 3 AI Playground

Brilliant Gems: Engaging Learners
Step into the "AI Gem Lab" to explore how custom instructions can transform the student experience. Using a curated "Learning Menu," you will sample a variety of AI Gems designed to foster deep engagement, critical thinking, and instructional efficiency. From Socratic tutors to creative collaborators, discover how these tools create high-quality, personalized experiences across all content areas. This hands-on session is open to all staff looking to reduce workload while elevating academic rigor. You will leave with a "Gem Cheat Sheet" and a library of ready-to-use tools to immediately empower your professional practice.

Building A Quick Resource App Using Claude AI

This session explores how a 6-12 instructional technology specialist used Claude AI to design and deploy two custom Chrome extensions for Westmoreland County Public Schools — one for teachers, one for students. With no prior programming experience required, attendees will see how conversational AI can build real, district-deployable tools including a tech support chatbot, daily pedagogical tip rotations, Brisk Teaching and MagicSchool AI integration, staff resource hubs, and student digital literacy guidance. Participants will leave with a replicable framework for using AI as a development partner to solve school-specific technology challenges.

FOIA Meets AI
Step into the future of public transparency in this interactive lab for FOIA officers, public servants, and information professionals. Using Google’s GEM (Generative Experience Model), participants will explore how AI can intelligently scan the Virginia Code to streamline Freedom of Information Act requests and improve public records management.

Through hands-on demonstrations, attendees will see how AI can quickly interpret legal language, provide actionable insights, and support compliance, all while enhancing transparency and efficiency. This session empowers public servants to leverage cutting-edge technology for smarter, faster, and more effective FOIA processes.

Next-Gen Storytelling: AI-Powered Video
See AI video creation come to life in this 10-minute Turbo Talk! Using a focused script, the presenter will show Synthesia AI in action, generating professional videos in real time, customizing virtual avatars, and bringing scripted content to life.

Attendees will witness the process from script to finished video, gain practical tips for creating engaging AI-driven content, and leave inspired with ideas for leveraging AI in communications, training, and public engagement—all in a fast-paced, high-energy format.

Teacher-made AI Helpdesks
Teacher-Made AI Helpdesks empowers educators to design custom AI chatbots that provide on-demand “how-to” support for students and staff. Participants will learn how to build and deploy chatbots using tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to streamline instructions, reduce repetitive questions, and increase independence for the users. Ideal for secondary schools across content areas, this session supports future-ready learners by modeling scalable, personalized support systems that enhance access, efficiency, and instructional excellence.

The NotebookLM Power-Up: Turning Your Resource Chaos into Classroom Clarity
This hands-on lab session provides a practical space to organize and simplify your teaching materials. We’ll start with a brief overview of NotebookLM before moving into an open exploration of its features.

You will learn how to transform static files—like PDFs, links, and notes—into dynamic content, including AI-generated videos, slide decks, interactive podcasts, infographics, and more! Feel free to bring your own resources to experiment with these tools in real-time.

Vibe Coding 101
This session provides a foundational understanding of "vibe coding" for creating engaging learning activities. Participants will learn the basics of vibe coding, including its benefits and drawbacks. We will then walk through a simple planning process to generate a usable classroom product. Time will be allotted for teachers to collaborate and explore the potential applications of vibe coding in their practice.