The Intelligent Classroom Resource Center

Empowering educators with the resources and insights to lead in the age of AI

Welcome to the Intelligent Classroom Resource Center. This digital hub houses the curated AI tools, academic journals, and presentation materials shared during my sessions. It is designed to provide educators with practical strategies and research-backed insights to lead effectively in the age of artificial intelligence.

Create videos using AI Avatars in multiple languages using HeyGen

Core Tools

Navigating the World of LLMs

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the rapid release of new Large Language Models (LLMs). The best approach is to get comfortable with just one tool first—ideally the one supported by your institution. Because core prompting strategies are largely universal, the skills you master in one environment will translate easily to others. Once you feel confident, you can begin exploring other models to compare their outputs and see which fits your workflow.

While these tools share similar foundations, some excel at specific tasks more than others:

Gemini – Exceptional at creating graphics and visual content, including detailed infographics.
ChatGPT – Widely recognized for its versatility in creative and technical writing.
Claude – Highly regarded for its precision in coding and complex logical reasoning.
Microsoft Copilot – A powerful choice for those working within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Grok – Known for real-time information processing and a direct conversational style.

The LLMs above are also capable of creating AI-generated images and videos.

Customizing your LLM

Establishing a Custom Instructions or Personalization Profile is one of the most effective ways to move from generic AI outputs to high-value, professional results.

Why Personalization Matters

Think of it as providing the AI with a permanent "Job Description." Without it, every new chat begins from zero, forcing the model to guess your tone, audience, and goals. By providing context upfront, you ensure:

Consistency: Every lesson plan and assignment follows the same pedagogical standards.
Accuracy: The AI understands specific curriculum requirements (like the NC Community College North Carolina Combined Course Library).
Efficiency: You no longer need to repeat "I am an instructor" or "Keep it professional" in every single prompt.

Customization Profile Example

Role: NC Community College Instructor

Course: MAT 171 (Precalculus Algebra)

"About Me" / Context Setting: "I am a mathematics instructor at a North Carolina community college. I teach MAT 171 (Precalculus Algebra), which follows the state-mandated curriculum focusing on functions (linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic). My students vary in their math confidence, so my tone should be encouraging but rigorous."

"How the AI Should Respond": "Act as a high-level instructional designer. When helping me design classes or assignments, always ensure content aligns with MAT 171 Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs). Prioritize real-world applications relevant to North Carolina industries (like tech or agriculture) to make the math relatable. When generating assignments, provide both a student-facing version and a detailed instructor answer key with step-by-step solutions."

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