AI Prompting 101: A Beginner’s Guide
You've used ChatGPT. You still don't quite know what you're doing. Let's fix that.
Sessions available in August
What’s on the calendar?
Join one of our upcoming sessions
A live, 1-hour session for adults who want a real foundation in how to use AI tools well.
AUGUST 19th
4pm - 5pm CST
You've probably opened ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude and typed something in. That doesn't mean you know what you're doing with it, and that's exactly what this session is for — a practical, judgment-first introduction to how these tools work, how to talk to them well, and how to get something useful back.
In one hour, we'll cover:
What's actually happening when you type a prompt
A simple framework for getting better results, every time
The difference between a vague ask and a clear one — and why it matters
How to review what you get back, instead of just accepting it
Enough foundation to keep exploring on your own
This session is platform-agnostic — bring whatever tool you already have access to (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or another), free or paid. The exercises work the same regardless of which one you're using.
Format: Live, virtual session via Microsoft Teams
Duration: 1 hour
Investment: $175
Date: August 19th, 4pm - 5pm CST
Led by Sarah Anderson and James Holmberg, founders of VILAS, who've spent the last several years teaching organizations how to build judgment around AI — now adapted for a younger audience asking the same questions. Sarah and James have been featured on Minnesota Public Radio, The Star Tribune, Twin Cities Business, Wisconsin Alumni Association, Minneapolis College of Art and Design Alumni Notes, and CBS News Minnesota. They are guest lecturers at MCAD and advisors to other higher education institutions. Clients include leading non-profits, foundations, government agencies and private sector clients. They lead monthly executive sessions at the Minneapolis Club and are featured speakers on AI in taste, judgment and responsible use.
Class Description
A live, 1-hour session for adults who want a real foundation in how to use AI tools well.
You've probably opened ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude and typed something in. That doesn't mean you know what you're doing with it, and that's exactly what this session is for — a practical, judgment-first introduction to how these tools work, how to talk to them well, and how to get something useful back.
In one hour, we'll cover:
What's actually happening when you type a prompt
A simple framework for getting better results, every time
The difference between a vague ask and a clear one — and why it matters
How to review what you get back, instead of just accepting it
Enough foundation to keep exploring on your own
This session is platform-agnostic — bring whatever tool you already have access to (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or another), free or paid. The exercises work the same regardless of which one you're using.
Led by Sarah Anderson and James Holmberg, founders of VILAS, who've spent the last several years teaching organizations how to build judgment around AI — now adapted for individuals asking the same questions.
Sarah and James have been featured on Minnesota Public Radio, The Star Tribune, Twin Cities Business, Wisconsin Alumni Association, Minneapolis College of Art and Design Alumni Notes, and CBS News Minnesota. They are guest lecturers at MCAD and advisors to other higher education institutions. Clients include leading non-profits, foundations, government agencies and private sector clients. They lead monthly executive sessions at the Minneapolis Club and are featured speakers on AI in taste, judgment and responsible use.
Format: Live, virtual session via Microsoft Teams
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $175
FAQs
Who this is for
Best suited for adults who are new to AI tools or have only used them casually and want a clearer foundation.What to expect
This is a live, hands-on session, not a lecture or a pre-recorded webinar. Come ready to type alongside us and try things in real time.Is the session recorded?
No. This session is not recorded, and no video, audio, or transcript is retained afterward.Technical requirements
You'll need a device with a stable internet connection and Microsoft Teams (a join link will be provided after registration — no account required).
You'll also need access to at least one AI platform — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or similar. A free account is completely fine for this session; the exercises are general and don't require a paid plan. If you don't already have an account, we'll send simple setup instructions ahead of time.
After you register
Once payment is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the Microsoft Teams link and a short pre-session note on setting up an AI platform account if you don’t already have one.
Space & scheduling
Space is limited to keep the session hands-on and conversational.Refund & rescheduling
Cancellations more than 7 days before the session receive a full refund. Cancellations between 7 days and 48 hours before the session can be transferred to a future date but are not eligible for a cash refund. Cancellations inside 48 hours, or no-shows, are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Read our full terms & conditions here.
Meet Sarah & Jim
Questions?
Just get in touch. We’re happy to help!