A three-session workshop series meant to help you cook up a custom AI assistant to explore practical uses of AI in your context.
The workshops will combine a hands-on, interactive approach to building AI skills with opportunities to reflect on the role AI might play in your life and work.
No prior technical experience is necessary, although basic familiarity with ChatGPT or other AI tools will be helpful. We’ll provide the ingredients and recipes to get you started.
Your Hosts
The workshop will be hosted by the Center for Digital Innovation in Learning in collaboration with the Boston College Law Library and will be facilitated by Tim Lindgren (CDIL) and Kyle Fidalgo (Law Library).
On The Menu
During the AI Test Kitchen, you can expect to:
- Identify tasks within your context that could be supported by an AI assistant.
- Develop a custom AI assistant that is designed to solve a particular problem.
- Test how well your assistant works and make changes to improve it.
- Collaborate with others in a fun, low-pressure environment of design thinking and experimentation.
Where and When
All sessions will be held online on Zoom.
[Check back soon for details on the next session schedule.]
There will be some light homework/preparation before each session to make time for hands-on experimentation when we’re together.
Workshop Session Structure
Past AI Test Kitchen Participants
Our first two versions of the AI Test Kitchen (April and June 2025) drew participants from around campus, both faculty and staff, as well as a few students.
A total of 72 people signed up and 64 actively participated across the two times it was offered.
The goal was to have a mix of conceptual learning, hands-on experimentation, and group sharing in a format that people could fit into people’s busy schedules.
| Teams/Departments | # |
|---|---|
| Academic Faculty | 14 |
| CDIL | 10 |
| Facilities Planning | 7 |
| University Advancement | 6 |
| Career Center | 4 |
| Law School | 4 |
| Human Resources | 4 |
| Corcoran Center | 3 |
| CSOM Advising | 3 |
| Students | 3 |
| Institutional Research | 2 |
| Controller’s Office | 2 |
| ITS | 2 |
Example AI Assistant Prototypes
Below are a few sample prototypes from the workshop. The goal was for participants to explore something relevant to their contexts and then reflect on their experiences. Not everything worked, but we learned as much from the dead ends as the successes.
Teaching & Learning
Survey Question Coach
This AI mentor guides marketing students through crafting effective survey questions, asking thoughtful follow-ups along the way. Instructors gain valuable insights into where students need extra support.
Learning by Teaching Tutor
Students explain complex statistical concepts to an AI peer who needs help understanding. This role reversal reveals true comprehension while strengthening learning through teaching.
Course Design Assistant
Evaluates whether course outcomes, assignments, and workload align effectively. Identifies potential bottlenecks and overwhelming weeks before students experience them.
Academic Planning Coach
Breaks down overwhelming projects into manageable steps and helps students understand their personal productivity patterns. More effective than standard planning tools.
Staff & Operations
Facilities Data Navigator
Designed to access building energy data, architectural history, and maintenance records. Navigate complex facility information without searching through multiple databases.
Alumni Insight Gatherer
Monitors social media activity to understand what BC graduates are discussing, celebrating, and engaging with. Converts these conversations into actionable marketing strategies.
Action Learning Process Coach
Keeps participants organized and focused throughout their professional development learning journey. Provides structure and accountability for complex, multi-phase initiatives.
Content Creation Style Guide
Develops comprehensive style guides for a campus publication using established BC and AP standards. Ensures new writers understand expectations from the start.
Interested? Make a Reservation
Registration for the next session will start in August. Please check back soon.
We encourage teams to take the workshop together, if possible, but we will also provide opportunities for individuals to connect and collaborate.
If you’re interested in being notified about upcoming sessions, email Tim using the form below.
Questions?
Feel free to use this form to contact Tim Lindgren in CDIL with any questions.