Using AI for Productivity

Using AI for Productivity

Practice writing good prompts, checking AI’s output, and making sure your use of AI is fair, safe, and helpful.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  1. Apply the “Control, Acknowledge, Review, Protect” framework to real-world AI use
  2. Write effective and ethical prompts for AI tools using clear templates
  3. Evaluate the quality and trustworthiness of AI-generated content
  4. Identify best practices for protecting privacy and data security when using AI in your field

Take a Guess

Many assistive tools and technology use artificial intelligence (AI.)
Try one of these activities to take a guess about what AT uses AI today.

This activity is appropriate for learners needing movement and manipulation.

Drag and Drop

This activity is appropriate for learners using screen readers or needing traditional questions.

Multiple Choice

The Magic of a Good Prompt

An office setting where an AI-powered hologram is assisting a professional. The hologram is glowing and casting a magical, ethereal light filled with ideas and icons representing creativity (like lightbulbs), organization (like calendars and charts), and productivity (like gears and checklists). The professional looks inspired and engaged, with a laptop and a tidy desk surrounded by a subtle aura of technological innovation.

A prompt in AI is the instruction or question you give to the bot so it knows what you want it to do.

How was this image made?

Step 1.

Ask AI to write the prompt.
My prompt to Claude was:
“Help me write a prompt for a generated image that conveys the idea of “the magic of an AI Prompt” for a lesson on AI for productivity for professionals.“

Step 2.

Edit and put the prompt into an image generation bot.
The prompt to Imogen3 was:
“Help me write a prompt for a generated image that convAn office setting where an AI-powered hologram is assisting a professional. The hologram is glowing and casting a magical, ethereal light filled with ideas and icons representing creativity (like lightbulbs), organization (like calendars and charts), and productivity (like gears and checklists). The professional looks inspired and engaged, with a laptop and a tidy desk surrounded by a subtle aura of technological innovation. The atmosphere should feel modern, sleek, and slightly magical, conveying the power and versatility of AI.eys the idea of “the magic of an AI Prompt” for a lesson on AI for productivity for professionals.“

Step 3.

Either download the image, change your prompt of ask another bot.

Imagen3 created the image on the left.

Elements of a good prompt

Role

Act as a _________.
Examples might be:
– Assistive Technology Act Director
– AI expert
– Grant Writer

Task

What do you want to accomplish?
What output do you want to receive?

Audience

Who is the target audience?
Examples might be:
– staff at a nursing home
– people leading K-12 special education

Purpose

Why do you want this output?
What might it accomplish?

Style

What tone do you want?
Examples might be:
– serious expert
– friendly and collegial
– professional and humorous
– technical
– as speaking to a 10 year old

Key Elements

How do you want the output?
Set format requirements
Specify structure
Define scope

  • Examples
    • a step-by step process
    • an email
    • one paragraph
    • HTML
Restrictions

Set boundaries.
Specify what to avoid.

  • Examples:
    • particular words
    • not more than 75 words
    • do not use math equations
Requirements

What do you want to make sure is included?

  • Examples
    • cite your sources
    • at least 3 examples
    • include a recipe
Sources

Tell the bot about the sources to use.

  • Examples
    • Governmental reports
    • Research studies
    • Well known sources
Additional Notes

I often add two additional elements
1. If there is a better way to write this prompt, tell me. Explain your reasoning.
2. Use sources since [year].

Prompt Template

Act as: [role]
Task: [specific output]
For: [audience]
Purpose: [goal/objective]
Style: [tone, format]
Must include: [key elements] [requirements]
Must avoid: [restrictions]
Sources: [sources to use]
Additional notes: [context, special instructions]

Prompt Example for VR Counselors

for recommendations to a VR client

Act as: A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Task: List at least 20 workplace accommodations for a person with ADHD
For: the person with ADHD and the disability community
Purpose: to education and inform
Style: collegial, friendly
Must include: specialized and mainstream technologies
Must avoid: human support personnel
Sources: Cite your sources. Include sources later than 2015.
Additional Info: If there is a better way to write this prompt, tell me. Explain your reasoning.

The results of this prompt are in the materials section of this lesson at the top of the page.

Prompt Examples for AT Act Directors

for presentation development

Act as: Assistive Technology (AT) Act Program Director
Task: List of common AT acquisition challenges for seniors
For: health care providers
Purpose: to education and inform
Style: collegial, friendly
Must include: DME and mainstream technologies
Must avoid: 3D printed AT
Sources: Cite your sources. Include sources later than 2010.
Additional Info: If there is a better way to write this prompt, tell me. Explain your reasoning.

Another Prompt Example

for program performance insight

Act as: a data analyst
Task: an evaluation report using the attached information, US census information, CATADA.info
For: Assistive Technology Act Directors
Purpose: to provide insight into the program’s strengths and weaknesses
Style: professional and scientific
Must include: analysis of the narratives, numbers and use of comparability
Must avoid: opinions about the value of this program
Sources: Cite your sources. Include sources later than 2015.
Additional Info: If there is a better way to write this prompt, tell me. Explain your reasoning.

Revised Prompt

Act as: A professional data analyst specializing in assistive technology programs.
Task: omprehensive evaluation report on the Alabama Assistive Technology Act Program (APTAT) using the information provided in the attached document, data from CATADA.org, and demographic information from the US Census.
For: Assistive Technology Act Program Directors and stakeholders.
Purpose: To provide actionable insights into the program’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) by analyzing program narratives, numerical data, and comparing it with national benchmarks and demographic trends.
Style: Formal, professional, and data-driven, with scientific rigor.
Must include:

  1. Analysis of program performance metrics (e.g., customer satisfaction, device reuse, loans).
  2. Critical evaluation of narrative anecdotes for impact assessment.
  3. Comparisons to national averages or benchmarks (if available) for assistive technology programs.
  4. Use of external sources including but not limited to CATADA.info and the US Census to contextualize findings.
  5. Recommendations for improvement based on evidence.
    Sources: Cite sources appropriately (e.g., APA format). All sources should be post-2015.

Reasoning for Changes

Clarity: Including “SWOT” clarifies that the report should address strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Comparability: Explicitly mentioning national benchmarks and demographic trends ensures the analysis is not isolated to Alabama but contextualized nationally. Specificity: Requesting actionable recommendations makes the report more valuable to decision-makers. Professionalism: Refining the language ensures the tone is consistent with the audience’s expectations.

Let’s put this revised prompt into an AI model.

Create and Export Your Own Prompt

Conclusion

How did it go?
Was the template helpful?
Did you get ideas that you hadn’t thought about before?
Would you use AI as a tool in your toolbox for your work?
How would you use AI in the future?

Check your understanding

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