Utilizing AI Tools for Efficiency in Course Development
by Ryan Buchanan
Transform your course development process with AI tools that save time while ensuring consistency and quality.
  • Lighten prep, keep control. AI drafts first passes so you can focus on teaching—often reclaiming ~30% of prep time
  • Promote consistency and clarity across courses—without starting from scratch
  • Maintain rigor and integrity: you approve, AI assists.
Open Workshop Resources
The 5-Step AI-Enhanced Course Development Flow
1. Outcomes → AI drafts, you approve
Have ChatGPT propose 3–5 measurable outcomes at chosen Bloom levels from your course blurb—plus verb options and “evidence of learning.” Saves the first 20 minutes of blank-page time.
2. Outline → AI scaffolds the weeks
Turn goals into a week-by-week outline with topic sequence, estimated workload, and suggested readings/OER links. You rearrange and prune.
3. Activities → AI generates ready-to-use variants
Ask for 2–3 activity patterns per outcome (discussion, case, simulation, lab) with student-facing instructions, timing, and differentiation (ELL/UDL). You keep the best and tune to your context.
4. Assessment → AI drafts items & rubrics
Auto-create a small item bank (MC/short-answer/application) with keys, plus a concise analytic rubric aligned to outcomes. Export in a copy-paste friendly format; you validate and add your voice.
5. Polish → AI does the cleanup pass
One-click copy/edit for clarity and reading level, generate alt-text, convert to consistent headings, and produce a brief study guide or summary. You give the final check.
AI Tool Snapshot: The Right Tool for Each Step
Each tool has specific strengths. Learn to select the appropriate AI assistant for different course development tasks.
ChatGPT — Study Mode
Versatile assistant for general content drafting and refinement.
Perplexity
Research assistant and outline generator with real-time information.
Gamma (Presentations)
Create lightweight decks quickly; our workshop deck is hosted here.
NotebookLM
Upload your readings, slides, or links and ground AI in those sources to draft cited summaries, outlines, and quiz ideas—then auto-generate a dual-narrator podcast and a narrated video overview for students.
Prompt Engineering Best Practices for Educators
Set a Role
Tell the AI to act as an instructional designer, subject matter expert, or learning coach to get appropriate responses.
Add Context
Specify student level, prior knowledge, and institutional context for better-tailored content.
Specify Format
Request specific output formats (tables, numbered lists, sections) for easy implementation.
Require Alignment
Always reference your learning outcomes in prompts to ensure everything connects.
Ask for Sources
Request references or research backing for content to maintain academic integrity.
Set Guardrails
Specify what to avoid (jargon, complexity) and reading level for student-friendly materials.
Iterate
Refine outputs by asking for revisions, simplifications, or expanded explanations.
Choose a Sample Course for Our Live Demo
We'll select one of these options to demonstrate the entire AI-assisted development process:
Option A: AI for Hospitality Operations
A micro-course showing how AI tools can streamline hotel management, customer service, and operational efficiency for hospitality students.
Option B: Digital Marketing Basics for Local Businesses
Practical introduction to digital marketing strategies specifically tailored for small business owners in coastal Alabama communities.
Option C: Instructional Design Foundations
A sampler course introducing core instructional design principles to help educators create more effective learning experiences.

During the workshop, we'll vote on which sample course to build together, allowing you to see the complete workflow in action.
Live Build — Generating Outcomes & Course Outline
Copy These Prompts
Use these carefully crafted prompts with your preferred AI tool to generate solid foundational elements for your course.
I need help creating learning outcomes for a 
community college [COURSE TOPIC] course. 

Please generate:
1. Three measurable learning outcomes using 
   Bloom's Taxonomy (one each at remember/
   understand, apply/analyze, and evaluate/
   create levels)
2. A one-module outline (4-6 topics) that 
   would help students achieve these outcomes

Format as a numbered list with clear headings.

Pro Tip: If the AI's response seems vague or misaligned, ask two clarifying questions before regenerating. For example: "Can you make the outcomes more specific to our coastal Alabama context?" or "How would you adapt this for working adults?"
Live Build — Creating Activities & Assessments
Activities Prompt
Based on these learning outcomes:
[PASTE OUTCOMES HERE]

Create 3 engaging learning activities 
that align with different learning 
styles. For each activity, include:
- Activity name
- Brief description (2-3 sentences)
- Which outcome it addresses
- Approximate time requirement
Assessment Prompt
Using these learning outcomes:
[PASTE OUTCOMES HERE]

Create a 5-question practice quiz 
with a mix of question types:
- 2 multiple choice
- 1 short answer
- 1 matching or sequencing
- 1 application scenario

Include an answer key with 
explanations for each question.
These prompts will help you quickly generate activity ideas and assessments that are properly aligned with your learning outcomes, saving hours of development time.
Next Steps: Apply What You've Learned
Your journey with AI-assisted course development is just beginning.
Resources to Support Your Success
Your AI Course Development Commitment
Boost your efficiency and effectiveness. Start small, document your process, and share your experience with colleagues.
Remember: The goal is to work smarter, not harder - preserving your expertise while letting AI handle the repetitive aspects of course creation.
Works Cited