Welcome

Last updated on 2026-06-10 | Edit this page

Estimated time: 30 minutes

Overview

Questions

  • How does this bonus module complement the existing Instructor Training?

Objectives

  • Summarise the experience and perspectives of the participants in this session.
  • Summarise the topics that will be covered in this bonus module.

Note: some of the content on this page is adapted from The Carpentries Instructor Training curriculum.

Discussion

Pronouns and Names

Using correct names and pronouns (e.g. “she/her”) is important for setting a respectful tone. Learning these is hard to do quickly, so we recommend displaying it prominently during the training.

In an online training, give everyone a moment to update their display name to reflect how they would like to be addressed.

At an in-person event, we recommend supplying name tags and markers, or using plain paper to create table-displayed name placards.

Note that pronouns are personal and some participants might prefer not to share them. Do not force people to share their pronouns. One reason to avoid pressuring people to share them is to allow people to share their gender identity only when they feel ready to. It is, however, necessary for all participants to use pronouns and names as listed when participants provide them.

The resources below can provide additional guidance on respectful pronoun usage:

Code of Conduct

To make clear what is expected, everyone participating in The Carpentries activities is required to abide by our Code of Conduct. Any form of behaviour to exclude, intimidate, or cause discomfort is a violation of the Code of Conduct. In order to foster a positive and professional learning environment we encourage you to:

  • Use welcoming and inclusive language
  • Be respectful of different viewpoints and experiences
  • Gracefully accept constructive criticism
  • Focus on what is best for the community
  • Show courtesy and respect towards other community members

If you believe someone is violating the Code of Conduct, we ask that you report it to The Carpentries Code of Conduct Committee by completing this form.

Introductions

Hello everyone, and welcome to The Carpentries Bonus Module to Instructor Training on adapting to genAI use in a workshop.
We are very pleased to have you with us.

Discussion

This Event’s Trainers

To begin class, each Trainer should give a brief introduction of themselves.

(For some guidelines on introducing yourself, see some content from the Introductions section of Instructor Training.)

Callout

Why Develop This Bonus Module?

Opinions on genAI models and tools vary widely within The Carpentries community. Many Carpentries community members have strong and justified concerns about negative environmental, societal, legal, and personal impacts of the development and use of LLMs. Others are excited by the prospect of new tools they expect will lower the barrier to generating source code.

We have developed this Bonus Module in response to reports from Instructors of widespread use of genAI tools like chatbots during workshops. The technology has become established, learners’ behaviours have shifted, and we want to empower the Instructor community to engage with these shifting conditions.

Now, we would like to get to know all of you.

Discussion

Temperature Check

For the multiple choice questions below, please place an “X” next to the response(s) that best apply to you.

  1. Have you observed learners/students using genAI chatbots during a workshop or another teaching setting? If so, how widespread would you estimate this use was?
    • I have not taught recently.
    • I have not observed learners using these tools.
    • A minority of learners used these tools.
    • About half of learners used these tools.
    • The majority of learners used these tools.
    • (Nearly) every learner used these tools.
  1. How often do you use genAI tools in your own work?
    • Never
    • Rarely
    • Monthly
    • Weekly
    • Daily
  2. How helpful or unhelpful do you think genAI tools are for novices learning to code?
    • Very helpful
    • Helpful
    • Neither helpful or unhelpful
    • Unhelpful
    • Very unhelpful
Discussion

What Is Motivating You?

What is your primary motivation for joining this bonus module session? What are you most hoping to gain from the session? Write a short response into the Etherpad.

The relatively rapid and widespread adoption of genAI tools by learners and students is having a profound impact on education. We currently lack research insights, backed up by data from robust, controlled studies, to inform a new approach to teaching workshops. Instead of presenting proven strategies for Instructors to adopt in their workshops, this Bonus Module refers to the key concepts that underpin the Instructor Training curriculum and examines the implications of genAI tools in that context. Through a series of exercises and facilitated discussions, participants will explore the potential impacts on learners of genAI tool use and strategies they could pursue to ensure that our workshops continue to empower those learners to adopt good practices.

Key Points
  • This Bonus Module refers to the key concepts that underpin the Instructor Training curriculum and examines the implications of genAI tools in that context.