AI in Action for Educators

Hello everyone!

When technology doesn’t work, most of us assume the problem is us.
This lesson is about changing that assumption.

Lesson 13 focuses on using AI as a troubleshooting and learning partner—someone you can ask for help when something isn’t working, confusing, or unfamiliar.

You don’t need technical language. You don’t need to know the “right” terms. If you can describe what’s happening, AI can usually help you think through it.

Most adults don’t struggle with technology because they can’t use it.

They struggle because:

• error messages are vague,

• instructions assume prior knowledge,

• and asking for help can feel frustrating or embarrassing.

AI changes that dynamic. It doesn’t rush you. It doesn’t judge. And it will explain things as many times as you ask, in as many different ways as you like.

In this lesson, you’ll see how AI can act as a patient troubleshooting partner—helping you describe problems clearly, understand technical language, and get step-by-step guidance when something isn’t working. You’ll learn simple, reusable prompts for getting help with everyday technology, including your phone, computer, and tools you already use like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. The goal isn’t to learn new technology—it’s to feel more confident figuring things out when you need help.

Let's keep exploring and creating!

Laurie

Laurie Conzemius
Technology Integration and Media Specialist
Park Rapids Area Schools

Instead of searching or guessing, start here:

Open ChatGPT (or another AI tool you’re comfortable using) and begin by describing the problem.

Use language like:

Something isn’t working the way I expect. What should I check first?

This often leads to simple fixes you might not think of right away.

Many tech problems sound complicated—but aren’t.

Try asking:

“Explain this error message in simple, non-technical language.”
“I’m not very tech-savvy. Explain what’s going on.”

This alone can reduce a lot of frustration.

This is one of AI’s biggest strengths.

Try asking:

“Walk me through this one step at a time.”

You can even follow up with:

“Slow down and explain each step.”

You’re allowed to learn at your own pace. And you can continue to ask questions when there are steps you don't follow.

AI is very good at helping with familiar tools—not just new ones.

Examples:

• “How do I sort data in Google Sheets without messing it up?”

• “Show me step by step how to add speaker notes in Google Slides.”

• “How can I make this Google Doc easier for families to read?”

You don’t need a full training—just help with this one task.

This doesn’t have to stay “school-related.”

Try asking:

• “Why does my phone battery drain so fast?”

• “How do I free up storage on my iPad?”

• “Help me plan this small repair or setup step by step.”

If you can describe the problem, AI can often help you plan a solution.

AI can help you diagnose, explain, and plan—but humans stay responsible for decisions, especially around safety, privacy, and important systems.

AI supports your thinking. It doesn’t replace it.

You don’t need to try everything in this lesson.

Just pick one moment this week—
one error message, one confusing tool, one “why won’t this work?”—
and try asking AI for help.

Often, that’s enough.

In our next lesson, we’ll look at a different kind of AI tool: NotebookLM.

Instead of helping you create new content, NotebookLM helps you make sense of documents you already have—policies, articles, curriculum materials, meeting notes, and more. It’s especially helpful when you’re staring at something long or dense and thinking, “What am I supposed to take away from this?”

To help me make these lessons most useful (and to use my time wisely), I’d love your input:

How do you prefer to receive these AI lessons?

☐ Short written newsletters like this

☐ Short video walkthroughs

☐ A combination of both

You don’t need to reply unless you’d like to—this is just helpful feedback.

And finally, if you would like a short video or Google Meet walkthrough of anything we cover, please let me know. I’m happy to create videos or meet virtually with you when you'd like help.

A quick reference guide for using AI to get unstuck with tech, tools, and tasks you already use.

🧠 Start Here: Describe the Problem

When something isn’t working, start by telling AI what you observe — just like you’d explain it to a colleague.

Try this first:

➤ Open ChatGPT or your AI tool and ask:

“Something isn’t working the way I expect. What should I check first?”

Then see what steps it suggests.

💡 Ask for Plain-Language Help

Tech language can be confusing. AI can explain it clearly.

Try these prompts:

• “Explain this error message in simple language.”

• “I’m not tech-savvy — what does this mean?”

• “What does this term or step refer to?”

The goal: Clarity without jargon.

🔄 Get Step-by-Step Guidance

When instructions feel too vague or you’re not sure what to do first:

Use prompts like:

• “Walk me through this one step at a time.”

• “Slow down and show me the first, second, and third steps.”

• “If I’m stuck at step 2, what should I check?”

AI can act like a patient coworker.

💻 Everyday Tech Help

Cell Phones

• “Why is my phone battery draining quickly?”

• “How do I free up storage on my device?”

• “How do I adjust display settings for easier reading?”

Computers & Devices

• “My computer is slow — what simple steps can I try?”

• “How do I update my operating system safely?”

• “What does this alert or notification mean?”

📂 Software Tools You Use

Google Docs

• “Show me how to format headers and styles.”

• “How do I turn this into a PDF?”

Google Sheets

• “How do I sort data without losing information?”

• “What’s a beginner-friendly formula for totals?”

Google Slides

• “How can I reduce visual clutter on my slides?”

• “What’s the easiest way to add speaker notes?”

🛠️ Planning or Fixing Something Else

AI can help you think through steps and resources — not just errors.

Use prompts like:

• “Help me plan this task step by step.”

• “What tools or supplies do I need?”

• “What should I check before I start?”

This works for tech tasks and physical tasks.

🌟 Helpful Reminders (Stay Smart & Safe)

• AI gives suggestions — you decide what fits your context.

• Don’t share private data (student info, passwords, etc.).

• If an answer feels off, ask follow-up questions.

• Use AI as support — not a substitute — for professional judgment.

You can view all of the AI in Action for Educators lessons on our district website through this link: https://www.parkrapids.k12.mn.us/departments/technology-homepage/ai