AI-Assisted Teaching with GitHub: A Faculty Workshop Series
As AI tools become more common in education, faculty across all disciplines are being asked to navigate new platforms and workflows, often without clear guidance. Many educators feel the pressure to adopt these technologies but aren't sure where to start, especially if they lack a technical background.
In this complimentary four-part virtual workshop series facilitated by GitHub, we will provide an accessible pathway for faculty to explore GitHub and its AI-assisted tools, starting with fundamentals and building toward practical classroom applications. Rather than assuming technical expertise, this series meets you where you are, focusing on how these tools can support teaching, collaboration, and curriculum development across any subject area. Participants will learn to use GitHub Spark and Copilot to turn ideas into usable educational materials, refine projects with natural-language prompts, and explore responsible ways to integrate AI into their teaching practice without writing code.
You'll leave with practical takeaways, including the GitHub Toolbox with all the resources needed for your classroom, plus complimentary educator access to GitHub Copilot and GitHub Classroom to continue building and experimenting beyond the series.
Audience
This workshop series is intended for US-based faculty from any discipline interested in learning how GitHub tools can support teaching and academic work.
Requirements
No prior experience with GitHub or AI required. Bring curiosity and a laptop.
Workshop Details by Session:
1. GitHub Fundamentals: Learning The Platform and Its AI-Ready Teaching Tools, No Technical Background Required
Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:30 PM ET
Format: Virtual Workshop
Participants will explore GitHub fundamentals and learn how Spark enables educators to quickly turn ideas into usable tools without a background in computer science. This session lays the foundation for later workshops using GitHub Copilot and other AI-assisted tools.
Session Outcomes
- Understand what GitHub is and how educators use it across disciplines
- Learn how Spark helps faculty turn ideas into simple, practical tools
- Explore examples of how GitHub tools support teaching, planning, and collaboration
- Build confidence navigating GitHub before introducing AI-assisted workflows
2. Getting Started with GitHub Copilot & Spark: Beginner-Friendly AI-Assisted Creation for Faculty
Date: March 10, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:30 PM ET
Format: Virtual Workshop
This session introduces GitHub Copilot as an AI-assisted partner for building and refining educational tools and materials. Using Spark and Copilot together, faculty will see how AI can help generate ideas, make changes, and improve projects through natural-language prompts without advanced technical knowledge.
The focus is on practical, approachable workflows that apply across subject areas, helping faculty understand how AI can support (not replace) thoughtful teaching and academic work.
Session Outcomes
- Learn how GitHub Copilot supports idea generation, editing, and iteration
- Practice beginner-friendly prompting techniques
- See how Spark and Copilot work together to lower technical barriers
- Explore examples relevant to a wide range of disciplines
3. Using GitHub Copilot & Spark in Education: Practical Faculty &Classroom Use Cases Across Disciplines
Date: March 17, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:30 PM ET
Format: Virtual Workshop
This session focuses on applying Spark and GitHub Copilot to real teaching and faculty workflows. Participants will explore how these tool scan support lesson planning, instructional materials, student activities, and faculty productivity while maintaining responsible and ethical AI practices.
Examples are intentionally cross-disciplinary, emphasizing adaptability rather than technical depth.
Session Outcomes
- Explore practical faculty and classroom use cases across disciplines
- Learn how to adapt AI-assisted workflows to your subject area
- Discuss ethical and responsible AI use in educational settings
- Identify opportunities to integrate these tools into your own teaching practice
4. Beyond the Basics with GitHub Copilot, Spark & Classroom: Expanding Faculty Workflows & Teaching Possibilities
Date: March 31, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:30 PM ET
Format: Virtual Workshop
This session is designed for faculty who want to explore more advanced possibilities with Spark and GitHub Copilot. Participants will see how projects can be expanded, refined, and adapted to more complex teaching or workflow needs while keeping accessibility and clarity central. Participants will also be introduced to GitHub Classroom for automating courses.
The session builds on concepts from earlier workshops and highlights how faculty can continue growing their skills beyond the series.
Session Outcomes
- Learn more advanced prompting strategies for refining projects
- Explore ways to extend tools for higher-impact teaching and workflows
- Understand how to adapt projects for different academic contexts
Track and manage assignments in your dashboard, grade work automatically, and help students when they get stuck using GitHub Classroom