MEC Workshops

Spring quarter registration is open. Priority is given to students graduating Spring quarter.

Students will participate in a free, five-week series, one hour each week in-class, covering the topics listed below. They will be required to demonstrate competency in four of the five learning outcome topics, which will result in the Multimodal Education Center issuing them a digital badge and certificate of completion. A small assessment will be conducted each week guided toward a culminating project in a short essay, oral project, mind-map, etc. The sessions will meet every Wednesday, April 15 - May 13, at 3 pm in Samuelson 126 or via Zoom. Registration is mandatory.

To earn the badge, students must:

• Attend and participate in each one hour in-class session (either in-person or online via Zoom).
• Submit a weekly assessment/ knowledge check each week.
• Submit a culminating assessment of their choice before graduating.

Learning Outcomes

Introduction to Generative AI: April 15

• Summarize what generative AI is, how it works, and how it differs from other AI types
• Describe accuracy and ethical considerations associated with gen AI.
• Critically analyze and discuss features that make an entity intelligent including discussing differences between human animal and machine intelligence.
• Determine when use of gen AI is appropriate and when it is not.
  1. Identify problem types at gen AI excels at and problems that are more challenging for gen AI use

Critical Analysis of Generative AI: April 22

• Describe how gen AI models are trained on data.
• Summarize how misinformation and biases occur from training data.
• Critically analyze gen AI outputs for accuracy and potential biases
  1. Explain how to critically evaluate AI tools
• Employ best practices for protecting data privacy.
• Apply a structured framework (e.g., EVERY or RAGAS) to evaluate the quality, accuracy, and faithfulness of AI-generated content.
• Identify and explain common issues in gen AI outputs such as hallucinations, misinformation, and bias, using real-world examples.
• Reflect on ethical responsibilities when using gen AI tools in academic work, including the importance of transparency, fairness, and accountability.

Creating effective prompts in Generative AI: April 29

• Write effective prompts to get efficient, accurate and useful results from gen AI tools.
• Refine and improve gen AI outputs using practical feedback and iteration techniques.
• Evaluate AI-generated content to determine its accuracy and relevance to your needs.

Sustainability and Environmental Impacts of Generative AI: May 6

• Critically evaluate ethical considerations in the use of gen AI tools, including issues of bias, transparency, and accountability.
• Synthesize information from various sources to develop a comprehensive report on the long-term environmental implications of widespread gen AI adoption.
• Apply ethical frameworks to real-world scenarios involving gen AI use in personal, work, and learning related contexts.

The Future of AI and Project Sharing: May 13

• Analyze current trends in gen AI development and predict potential future advancements and their societal impacts.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of emerging gen AI technologies and propose guidelines for responsible AI development and deployment.
• Evaluate the potential impact of gen AI technologies on their chosen fields of study and future employment, identifying both opportunities and challenges, and propose strategies to adapt to these changes.

What Is a Digital Badge?

A digital badge is an online credential that represents a specific skill, achievement, or learning outcome you’ve earned. Think of it as a virtual certificate or sticker that you can display on your digital profiles—like LinkedIn, your resume, or your college portfolio. Digital badges are awarded when you complete certain requirements, such as attending workshops, passing assessments, or demonstrating competency in a subject.

Key Features:

• Evidence of Achievement: Badges show you’ve mastered a skill or completed a learning experience.
• Portable and Shareable: You can add badges to your online profiles, email signatures, or digital portfolios.
• Verifiable: Each badge is linked to details about what you did to earn it, so others (like employers or professors) can see exactly what it represents.

In summary:
A digital badge is a modern way to showcase your skills and achievements online, making it easy for others to recognize your learning and expertise.

• Podcasting 101 – Mon 3/2/2026 3-4:
  Discover the basics of podcast creation, from audio recording and editing (using Audacity) to publishing your episodes. This workshop is ideal for students interested in storytelling, interviews, or class projects, and provides practical skills for launching your own podcast.
• Sustainability and Gen AI - Mon 4/6/2026 3-4:20
  This student workshop explores the environmental impacts of generative AI, including energy use, water consumption, and carbon emissions associated with training and deploying AI systems. Participants will examine sustainability trade-offs and discuss how more responsible design and use of generative AI can support environmental goals.
• Designing a Poster for SOURCE using PowerPoint - Mon 4/27/2026 3-4
  In this hands-on workshop, students will learn how to design a clear, visually engaging academic poster using PowerPoint for the SOURCE conference. The session covers layout, visual hierarchy, and best practices for presenting research and creative projects in a professional poster format.
• Digital Portfolios - Mon 5/4/2026 3 -4
  In this workshop, students will build a simple digital portfolio or personal website using Canvas to showcase their skills, projects, and experiences. The session highlights how digital portfolios can be used effectively for job applications and internships, helping students present their work professionally to potential employers.
• 3D printed Organizer: - Mon 5/18/2026 3-4:20
  Students design a phone stand with compartments for pens, sticky notes, or chargers.
• MEC VR Open House – Mon 5/11/2026 1-4
  The Multimodal Education Center’s VR Open House invites students, faculty, and staff to explore immersive virtual reality experiences and learn how VR can enhance teaching, learning, and creative expression across disciplines.

• Using Discord
• Laser cutting design with Adobe Illustrator
• Recording presentations with Screencast-O-Matic
• Poster creation with Canva
• Getting started with FrameVR - A free Virtual Reality platform
• DSLR Camera basics and tricks for best photos with Canon Rebel t5i
• Cricut Design Workshop
• Introduction to Photo touch-ups and adjustments
• Using Portfolium, the ePortfolio platform inside Canvas
• Basics of 3D modeling from home
• Google Docs and MS Word Tutorial
• Making a Video from a PowerPoint Presentation
• Video Editing with Davinci Resolve
• Making a Panopto Video: Student Edition
• Wacom One Tutorial

• Canvas 101 for Students
• CWU Counseling Service's:De-stress for Success
• Beyond Busywork: Engaging in Online Discussions
• College Preparation for Online courses, Time Management and Library Research
• Tips for Success in Online and Video Conferencing Classes