Using Large Language Models (LLMs) is important for anyone in education. Getting started with LLMs in the classroom requires experience with building and testing practical use cases. Identifying multiple use cases allowed us to establish a 5-step process for anyone to use LLMs and determine strategies for building use cases.

Introduction The rapid advancement of large language models (LLMs) has ushered in a new era of potential applications across various fields, including education. However, integrating such technology into classroom settings presents unique challenges and opportunities. This workshop aims to demystify the process of adopting LLMs for educational purposes, focusing on practical approaches to enhance teaching and learning using generative AI. The session shares our experiences from an ongoing implementation effort of LLMs. Our implementation uses a structured 5-step process we created to identify, develop and test effective use cases for a learning environment. We plan to engage the participants through interactive activities while they apply these concepts in real-time. Background In the digital education landscape, LLMs stand out for their ability to understand and generate human-like text, making them particularly valuable in educational settings. Despite their potential, many educators face significant barriers in deploying these technologies effectively. Challenges include not understanding the technology's capabilities, difficulty aligning LLM applications with learning objectives, and concerns about ethical implications. This workshop addresses these challenges by providing educators with a clear, actionable framework to harness the power of LLMs in their teaching practices. Workshop Objectives The primary objective of this workshop is to equip educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to use LLMs effectively. By the end of the session, participants will: Recognize the potential applications and limitations of LLMs in education. Identify specific areas within their courses where LLMs can augment learning. Develop and test practical, effective use cases for LLMs in their teaching practice. Communicate the benefits of LLM integration to students to enhance learning experiences. Address ethical considerations and ensure responsible use of LLMs in educational settings. Methodology: The 5-Step Process The workshop introduces and explores a five-step methodology designed to help educators effectively integrate LLMs into their courses. The steps include: Learning About Course Needs: Participants will learn techniques to analyze and understand the specific areas of their course(s) where LLMs could be beneficial. This involves reviewing course content, learning objectives, and LLM capabilities to identify potential areas for AI integration. Evaluating Opportunities: Educators will be guided in evaluating these needs to determine where LLMs can truly augment learning. This step focuses on aligning LLM capabilities with educational goals and ensuring that technology integration enhances, rather than distracts from, the learning experience. Isolating Testable Use Cases: Participants will isolate specific, testable use cases for LLMs in their courses. This involves brainstorming and refining ideas to ensure they are viable and aligned with learning objectives. Motivating Use Cases for Learners: Educators will learn strategies to motivate their students to use LLMs. This includes effectively communicating the benefits of LLMs, addressing potential student concerns, and demonstrating how AI can support personalized learning paths. Securing the Use Case: The final step involves addressing the ethical use of LLMs. Participants will explore best practices for data privacy, error mitigation, and ensuring that LLM use adheres to ethical standards and institutional policies. Workshop Format The workshop will be interactive and combine a presentation, group discussions, and hands-on activities. Participants will be introduced to the five steps through a blend of theoretical background and practical exercises. They will work in groups to develop use cases by applying the learned framework to their specific contexts. This hands-on approach not only aids in understanding but also ensures that educators leave the workshop with actionable plans to implement LLMs in their courses. Relevance to the Education Community As educators increasingly look to incorporate technology into their teaching practices, understanding how to use LLMs effectively is crucial. This workshop directly addresses a common and pressing need within the education community: how to get started with LLMs in the classroom and how to identify and develop use cases that genuinely enhance student learning and engagement. Conclusion Adopting LLMs in education offers significant opportunities to enhance instructional quality and student engagement. This workshop provides a practical, structured approach to exploring and implementing LLMs, ensuring educators are well-equipped to make informed decisions about integrating this technology into their teaching practices. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of LLM capabilities, equipped with practical strategies and a clear roadmap to harness the benefits of generative AI in their classrooms. Session Interactivity Poll: Participants will complete an open-answer poll identifying things they wish to learn about integrating LLMs into their courses Pair and Share: Participants will identify use cases for their respective courses based on the framework and share ideas with their tablemates Discussion: Participants will share how they intend to implement LLMs into their course after completing the workshop