People engaged in a conversation about podcasting and using the MEC equipment to create one

MEC Workshops

Workshops at the MEC

All workshops are offered online and in-person (Samuelson 126). All workshops are free for anyone at CWU. Registration for is necessary. Please select the workshop for registration by clicking on it's title. If you are a student and wish to get credit using the Suitable, please search for the workshop in the app.

  • AI Literacy Essentials for Students Digital Badge and Certificate

    We are currently full for the workshops series and are no longer taking registrations. If successful, we will be offering the series again in the spring. If you have questions, please email Chad Tester.

    Students will participate in a free, five-week series, one hour each week in-class, covering the following topics. They will be required to demonstrate competency in four of the five learning outcome topics. 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, January 28 – Feb 25, 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 the quarter ends (by March 27).

    Learning Outcomes

    Introduction to Generative AI: January 28

    • 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: Feb 4

    • 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: Feb 11

    • 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: Feb 18

    • 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: Feb 25

    • 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.

  • Current Quarter Workshops

    • Video recording for social media– Mon 1/12/2026 3-4:
      Learn the essentials of creating engaging video content for social media platforms. This hands-on workshop covers basic recording techniques, tips for framing and lighting, and practical advice for editing short videos that stand out online. Perfect for students looking to boost their digital presence or promote campus events.
    • Prompt engineering for gen AI - Mon 2/2/2026 3-4:
      Explore the fundamentals of prompt engineering for generative AI tools. Students will learn how to craft effective prompts to get the best results from AI-powered platforms, with practical examples and tips for ethical and creative use. This session is designed for anyone curious about AI’s role in research, writing, and learning.
    • Winter Open House – Feb 9 1-4, in-person only (Samuelson 126)
    • Intro to 3D Modeling for Cosplay - Mon 2/23/2026 3-4:
      Dive into the world of cosplay design with beginner-friendly 3D modeling tools like Tinkercad or Blender. Students will learn how to create custom prototypes, gaining skills to bring their cosplay ideas to life. No prior experience required—just imagination and curiosity
    • 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.



  • Recorded Workshops

  • Webinars

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