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Dr. Lance Cummings is our Structuring Prompts for Technical Communicators and Content Developers course author. He’s a recognised expert in creating generative AI prompt operations, and an associate professor at the University of North Carolina, where he explores information development in technologically and culturally diverse contexts.
As an educator constantly juggling a multitude of content, from crafting course overviews to revising textbook chapters and providing detailed feedback to students, I’ve come to realize the striking similarities between my role and that of a technical writer. Both professions demand efficient management of vast amounts of information, precision in communication, and a relentless pursuit of clarity and engagement.
This realization led me down the path of exploring structured approaches to content management – a method traditionally associated with technical communication, but incredibly relevant and transformative in the educational sphere.
I’m constantly experimenting with structuring content in such a way that it can be reused and adapted across different classes, significantly reducing the workload involved in creating a comprehensive ‘textbook’ of sorts.
This iterative process of fine-tuning the content has been further enhanced by the use of AI, which aids in generating routine yet critical elements like course overviews and assignment sheets, and even in repurposing existing material for new educational contexts.
For example, here is a simple prompt that I use to create overview pages for my online textbook :
Example Prompt
[ROLE]
You are a teaching assistant expert at creating structured educational content for college students that is clear, concise, and engaging. You working with me to create a writing course for freshman.
[STYLE]
Write in a style that is conversational, informative, and instructional. You explain complex concepts clearly, providing practical examples where possible. You do not overuse metaphors but use them only when helpful. Your content is well-structured with clear headings, transitions, and signposting. [TASK] Using the notes below, write an overview page that enthusiastically gives a short summary, a one-sentence main goal, a list of learning objectives, and a transition sentence into the next lesson.
###’ <goal> Enter goal for module.</goal>
<topics>
Enter topics contained in the module</topics>
<summary>
Enter summary of course so far, what students have learned most recently, and what they have been working on </summary>
I realized that the same principles that made my educational content adaptable and efficient could be applied to the prompts I use for AI content generation. This structured approach to prompts ensures that the content produced by AI is not only relevant and accurate but also tailored to the specific needs of my courses.
These experiences are what inspired my new video course, Structured Prompt Operations for Technical Communicators and Content Developers. I recognized that the strategies I have developed for managing content with AI have broader applications, particularly for content developers. In these fields, the ability to efficiently generate, adapt, and iterate content is crucial.
By applying structured prompt operations, technical communicators and content developers can enhance their workflow, ensuring their content remains dynamic, accurate, and aligned with their audience’s needs.
To get you thinking about prompt operations … or the management of people, processes, and technology around prompting AI for structured content, I created a free downloadable that summarizes the prompt operations process.
Below is a quick summary of ten essential steps drawn from my experiences and insights in managing prompt operations. These steps are designed to help you leverage AI in your content creation process, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and quality, whether you’re developing technical documentation, educational materials, or any other form of written content.
The Prompt Operations Workflow
Educators structure their teaching content for adaptability and reuse. Prompt operations can be treated similarly. In education, structuring content means creating versatile materials that can be easily adapted for various classes or educational purposes. This same concept applies to managing AI prompts, where a structured and organized approach can significantly optimize both the content and the workflow.
Here’s how you can apply this educational insight to the world of AI-driven content:
1. Understand Prompt Basics
Just as educators break down complex subjects into understandable segments for students, understanding the basics of AI prompts is key. For instance, in my teaching, I break down complex rhetorical concepts into digestible ideas for students. Similarly, understanding the structure and function of prompts is crucial for effective AI content generation.
2. Identify Your Prompt Needs
Tailor your strategy to your specific requirements, akin to how educational content is tailored to different learning outcomes. For example, in creating lesson plans, I identify key learning objectives and mold my content accordingly. Similarly, identifying the types of prompts that align with your project’s goals is vital.
3. Create a Prompt Library
As educators maintain a repository of teaching resources, developing a centralized prompt library for AI can streamline the content creation process. This library becomes a valuable resource for prompt retrieval and reuse.
4. Standardize Prompt Structures
Consistency in teaching methods is crucial for student comprehension. Likewise, standardizing prompt structures ensures uniformity in AI-generated content. This could involve creating templates for different types of prompts, much like lesson plan templates in teaching.
5. Implement Prompt Testing
In education, testing teaching methods and materials for effectiveness is common. Similarly, regularly testing prompts to ensure they are producing desired results is essential. This could involve analyzing the output for relevance and accuracy.
6. Manage Prompt Updates
Just as educational content is continually updated to reflect new findings and pedagogical strategies, keeping prompts current with evolving AI technologies and content trends is crucial.
7. Incorporate Team and Stakeholder Feedback
Feedback in education, from students and peers, is invaluable for improving teaching methods. Likewise, gathering and utilizing feedback from your team can refine your AI prompt strategies.
8. Review and Iterate
The educational content creation process is never static; it involves ongoing review and iteration. Apply this mindset to prompt operations to stay ahead in the rapidly changing world of AI-driven content creation.
Incorporating the structured approach of educational content creation into the management of AI prompts bridges the gap between education and the workplace. This strategy not only streamlines content development but also ensures adaptability and relevance, essential for both educators and technical writers in the digital age.
To take your understanding and application of these principles further, I encourage you to download our free prompt operations checklist.
Additionally, for a more in-depth exploration and practical guidance, check out our comprehensive video course. These resources are designed to empower you in mastering the art of managing AI prompts, bridging the gap between theory and practice in the evolving landscape of digital communication.
➡️ Check out our full course on structuring prompts and learn about prompt operations here
➡️ And don’t forget to check out the other courses in the Firehead Training Academy here!
