What is an AI LLM?
An LLM is like a super-smart helper that reads and writes. It can answer questions, summarize things, teach you, write for you, and help you think.
How It Works
You ask a question
AI processes it
You get an answer
Popular AI Tools
What LLMs Can Do
Explain ideas in simple terms
Create documents and content
Summarize long information
Translate between languages
Brainstorm creative ideas
Help with teaching and lessons
Provide fast research
Role-play training scenarios
Write in different styles
What LLMs Cannot Do
Not always correct - can make mistakes
Cannot read your mind - needs clear instructions
Cannot access private data or files
Must be prompted - won't act on its own
Cannot make legal or medical final decisions
Must be double-checked for accuracy
⚠️ Always verify important information and use AI as a helpful tool, not a final authority.
What is a Prompt?
A prompt is how you talk to the AI. It's your instructions.
The Prompt Process
USER
PROMPT
AI OUTPUT
Example Prompts
“Explain autism using simple words.”
“Create a volunteer welcome script in 3 sentences.”
“Write a lesson plan with 3 activities.”
How to Improve a Prompt
🎯 More details = better answers
Before & After Examples
“Tell me about autism”
“Explain autism to parents in 3 simple paragraphs using everyday language”
“Write a lesson plan”
“Create a 30-minute lesson plan for teaching colors to children aged 5-7 with autism, including 3 hands-on activities”
“Help me train volunteers”
“Write a 5-minute training script for new volunteers explaining how to use positive reinforcement with students who have special needs”
Markdown Basics for Better Prompts
Markdown helps you format your prompts for clearer AI responses.
Markdown Cheat Sheet
Example Using Markdown:
Example: **Task:** Create a lesson plan - Topic: Colors - Age: 5-7 years - Duration: 30 minutes
5 Real GEEC Examples
See how GEEC staff can use AI in their daily work
Practice Exercises
Try improving these prompts yourself!
Exercise 1: Fix This Weak Prompt
Weak Prompt:
"Write something about teaching"
Hint:
Add: who you're teaching, what subject, what format, and any special needs
Suggested Answer:
"Create a 15-minute teaching guide for introducing the alphabet to 4-year-olds with autism, using visual aids and repetition."
Exercise 2: YouTube Video Summary
Task:
Create a prompt to summarize a YouTube video about autism awareness
Hint:
Specify: what details you want, length of summary, target audience
Suggested Answer:
"Summarize this autism awareness video in 5 bullet points suitable for parents who are new to the topic. Focus on practical takeaways."
Exercise 3: Classroom Strategy
Task:
Make a prompt for classroom strategies for a student with sensory needs
Hint:
Include: specific sensory issue, age, classroom setting, desired outcome
Suggested Answer:
"Suggest 5 classroom strategies for a 7-year-old with sound sensitivity in a group setting of 8 students. Focus on practical, easy-to-implement solutions."
Test Your Knowledge
Complete this 5-question quiz to check your understanding
1. What is an LLM?
2. Which of these can AI do?
3. What makes a prompt better?
4. Name two things AI can help GEEC staff with.
5. Why should you always double-check AI responses?
Downloadable Resources
Get your course materials as a PDF
PDF includes:
- ✔Complete course summary
- ✔Markdown cheat sheet
- ✔All prompt examples
- ✔LLM capability chart
- ✔Practice exercises with answers
HeyGen Promo Script
30 seconds
Ready to unlock the power of AI? Join GEEC staff in our AI Basics course! In just 20 minutes, you'll learn how to use ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI tools to create better lessons, train volunteers, and communicate with families. Get started today and transform the way you work. Visit our learning portal now!
Congratulations! You've completed the course.
You've completed the AI Basics course!