Context and Background
Amidst conversations about the necessity of developing talent and capacity within the Caribbean region, is the reality that basic AI literacy skills need to be developed to ensure that no one is left behind as AI continues to revolutionise many fields and industries.
This two-day workshop provides participants with introductory knowledge of generative AI platforms (specifically large language models (LLMs)), the ethical usage of AI-generated content and frameworks for effective prompt engineering. By providing a background to the technology, the course attempts to dispel technophobic attitudes and potential hesitation to use these models by debunking existing myths surrounding the technology.
In the aftermath of engaging in the lecture on day one, both theoretically and discursively, the course enables participants to practically apply their knowledge to professional tasks that are related to their specific field or industry.
Ergo, this course is tailored to the individuals and organizations who already engage this skill informally in their day-to-day personal activities and professional practices, but would like to hone their skills and to get better results through fewer prompts.
Learning Outcomes for the Workshop
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand AI technology, specifically Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs).
- Leverage generative AI technologies ethically, using best practices.
- Understand and apply frameworks to prompt engineering as praxis.
- Apply prompt engineering strategies to real-world professional and operational tasks.
Key Takeaways
After completing this course, you will be ready to:
- Implement best practices for engaging in prompt engineering as a skill
- Understand how LLMs work and how your interactions are framing their development and abilities
- Integrate ethical considerations into your own practices and into the development of organizational policies for engaging with open-platform generative AI
- Use Generative AI from a place of knowledge instead of fear.
- Apply skills to more complex uses of prompting e.g. system prompting (honed during the practical activity)
Key Topics
- Best practices for Prompt Engineering
- Understanding how LLMs work
- Dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding AI
- Practical skill-development session
The Facilitator
Amanda Zilla is an Assistant Lecturer in Literatures in English in the Department of Literary, Cultural and Communications Studies (DLCCS) in the Faculty of Humanities and Education and holds a number of roles within the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre (AIIC) at The UWI, St. Augustine. At the AIIC, Ms. Zilla is the principal investigator of the dream LAB, a research cluster focused on the development and the integration of AI and VR software and technologies into the arts, culture and education sectors and is also the Centre’s Communications, Branding and Engagement Strategist.
In April 2026, Amanda Zilla would have also launched an international working group, Her Space in AI, which is focused on capacity building, outreach and mentorship initiatives as a means of ensuring that the Caribbean’s AI Future is sustainable in relation to both gender inclusivity and talent development.
Within the DLCCS, she would have developed a course, LITS 3915: Storytelling in Media that focuses on the leveraging of traditional and emerging media, like AI and VR, for narrative purposes. Since 2023, Ms. Zilla has been involved in the hosting of AI literacy and skill development workshops for the education and finance industries. Earlier this year, for UNESCO’s AI Readiness Roadmap Assessment Methodology workshop, held in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Administration and AI and the UWI, she would have served as the lead discussant and a spotlight speaker for the Society and Culture dimension.
Certificate Awarded
Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.
Course registration is closed – Don’t hesitate to contact the DLCCS Team at STA-DLCCSOutreach@uwi.edu, or visit sta.uwi.edu/cpe for additional information