From Data to Done: Automating Your Classroom with ChatGPT & Google Sheets

Outline

1. Introduction and Demo (10 minutes)

Content:
Welcome participants and introduce the session objectives.
Brief overview of the benefits of automation in the classroom.
Demo: Show participants 2 Google Sheets that I have scripted and how they help efficiency and data analysis.
Engagement: Participants will receive a digital and/or paper copy of a planning template that they’ll use throughout the session to script a Google Sheet. They will brainstorm a classroom task that they would like to automate. This will be recorded on their template, and they will share at their table what their choice was.

2. Understanding ChatGPT and Google Sheets Scripting Basics (15 minutes)

Engagement: Interactive Q&A to address participants’ prior experiences with Google Apps Scripting.
Overview of Google Sheets and the Apps Script environment. Participants will follow along on their own devices.

3. Setting Up Spreadsheet (20 minutes)

Using the planning template, participants will brainstorm how to set up their spreadsheet for their chosen automation. The template will walk participants step-by-step through this process.
With an elbow partner, participants will share their work so far to receive feedback.
Using their planning template, participants will create a new Google spreadsheet and build their sheets template.

4. Building Your First Automation Script (30 minutes)

Using an example from a script I shared earlier and their planning template, participants will draft out the steps of their automation.
With their elbow partner, participants will give and receive feedback on their steps.
Live demonstration of creating a basic script that integrates ChatGPT with Google Sheets.
Time for Q & A
Hands-On Coding: Attendees will use their template to work with ChatGPT or Frontier LLM of their choice to begin generating code for their automations.
Participants will write, test, and iterate their scripts.
Regular checkpoints and prompts for participants to ask questions or share insights.

8. Group Sharing (10 minutes)

Attendees will share their automated spreadsheets on a shared document. There will be a drop-down for participants to notify each other when the script is ready and working. That way if they don’t finish within the allotted time, they’ll still have the ability to have others test their automations and provide feedback.

9. Conclusion and Resource Sharing (5 minutes)

Recap of key learnings and encouragement to continue exploring.
Final Q&A session to address remaining questions.
Provide access to a shared folder with resources, templates, and further reading.
Invite participants to join an online community or forum for ongoing support.

Engagement Tactics Throughout the Session:

Regular prompts for questions and sharing.
Use of templates.
Collaborative Learning: Encouraging teamwork through pair and group activities.
Hands-On Practice: Emphasis on real-time application of concepts.
Supportive Environment:
Facilitators available throughout to assist and guide.

Supporting research

Teaching with AI: https://openai.com/index/teaching-with-ai/
“The AI Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Education” by Daniel Fitzpatrick, Amanda Fox, and Brad Weinstein (2022)
Artificial Intelligence in Education: Promises and Implications for Teaching and Learning : https://iste.org/blog/these-ai-tools-will-make-educators-work-easier
The Advantages Of Automated Systems In Education: https://www.teachthought.com/technology/advantages-of-automated-systems-in-education/