Courses

AI at Work: Practical Tools for Productivity

AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday work, from writing and research to meeting support, data review, and content creation. This hands-on workshop helps non-technical professionals understand what AI can do, where it adds value, and how to use it more effectively on the job. Participants will explore practical workplace applications, try common AI tools, and examine key issues such as accuracy, bias, privacy, and responsible use. They will leave with a clearer understanding of AI, greater confidence in using it, and actionable ideas for improving productivity in their own work.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026, LLCC-Litchfield Room L101
Friday, August 28, 2026, LLCC-Medical District Room 118
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, LLCC-Taylorville Room 1113
Thursday, September 3, 2026, LLCC-Jacksonville Room 1136

AI at Work: What Managers Need to Know (and do)

As AI tools rapidly become part of everyday work, many employees are adopting them - often without formal training or employer awareness. This creates hidden risks that can compromise data security, client trust, and business integrity. In this practical, interactive workshop, managers will learn how to recognize signs of untrained AI use, understand the risks involved, and implement oversight strategies that support responsible innovation. Participants will explore real-world scenarios, develop action plans tailored to their teams, and leave equipped to foster a culture of ethical and effective AI use.


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AI-Enhanced Decision Making: Critical Thinking for Today's Workplace

Artificial intelligence (AI) can accelerate productivity, but it doesn't replace sound judgment. This workshop helps professionals sharpen their critical thinking skills while working with AI tools. Participants will learn how to question outputs, spot potential bias, and combine human expertise with AI insights to make smarter, more ethical decisions. Participants are strongly encouraged to register early-at least one week before the class start date-to secure a seat, as many classes fill quickly. Classes may be cancelled due to low enrollment, and early registration can make the difference.


Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Prompting for Better AI Results

Designed for professionals with some prior experience using AI tools, this hands-on workshop focuses on how to write stronger prompts and get better results from workplace AI. Participants learn practical strategies for improving clarity, refining outputs, and using structured prompting techniques to support writing, analysis, and problem-solving. Through guided practice and real-world examples, they build skills that help make AI output more useful, reliable, and relevant on the job.

Wednesday, September 23, 2026, LLCC-Medical District Room 118
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, LLCC-Taylorville Room 1113
Friday, October 16, 2026, LLCC-Jacksonville Room 1136
Friday, October 30, 2026, LLCC-Litchfield Room L101

Introduction to Drones

Ready to get off the ground with drones? Our Introduction to Drones workshop gives you hands-on experience with the fundamentals of drone operation in a professional setting. Participants will learn how to fly a drone, perform pre-flight inspections, apply best practices for safety and risk management, and practice flight maneuvers that build real-world remote pilot skills. Practice drones are provided, so no equipment is needed. It also prepares participants for the Federal Aviation Administration T.R.U.S.T. License which allows for recreational flight of a drone in the United States. Participants are strongly encouraged to register early-at least one week before the class start date-to secure a seat, as many classes fill quickly. Classes may be cancelled due to low enrollment, and early registration can make the difference.

Saturday, August 8, 2026, Kreher Agriculture Center Room K1122

UAS Remote Pilot Test Prep Course

Prepares the student for the Federal Aviation Administration Remote Pilot Certification, also known as a FAA Part 107 license. The certification allows the student to legally perform commercial drone operations in the United States. The material presented in this course will include topics such as Regulations, the National Airspace System, Weather, Pre-flight Considerations, and Operations.

October 13-22, 2026, Kreher Agriculture Center Room K1123

From Prompts to Agents: An Introduction to Agentic AI

This beginner-friendly workshop is designed for people who already use AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot or Claude and want to go a step further. Participants will learn what agentic AI is, how AI agents differ from standard prompt-based tools, and how agents can use goals, tools, memory, and decision-making to complete multi-step tasks. Through practical examples and guided activities participants will explore how agentic systems work, where they can add value in workplace settings, and how to begin thinking through the design of a simple AI agent. No coding or technical background is required. Participants will learn to distinguish prompt-based AI from agentic AI, explain the core components of an AI agent, identify tasks that may be suited for agent workflows, think through the structure of a simple agent for a workplace task, and recognize risks, limits, and the role of human oversight.

Wednesday, November 18, 2026, LLCC-Medical District Room 118