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Getting Started with PSD AI Studio: A Practical Introduction for Teachers

Presented by Dave StittPD SessionFor PSD Staff

Getting Started with PSD AI Studio: A Practical Introduction for Teachers

This professional development session was presented to Peninsula School District staff on March 13, 2026. The training provides a practical, low-stakes introduction to the district's AI Studio platform at aistudio.psd401.ai — covering everything from logging in and choosing the right model to writing effective prompts and using AI responsibly in the classroom.

Key Takeaways:

  • District-Hosted and Private: PSD AI Studio is built and hosted by the district, not a third-party app. It provides access to frontier AI models (Claude, GPT, Gemini) with data processed on district servers and student privacy protected — at 90% cost savings versus individual subscriptions.
  • Choosing the Right Model: The training distinguishes between flash models (fast, efficient, great for well-defined tasks) and reasoning models (slower, more deliberate, better for complex multi-step problems) — helping staff match the tool to the task.
  • The CRAFT Prompting Framework: Effective prompts include Context (who are your students?), Role (tell AI who to be), Action (what do you need?), Format (list, table, lesson plan?), and Tone (formal, friendly, student-facing?). Hitting 3-4 of these elements dramatically improves results.
  • The Dictation Efficiency Hack: Enabling macOS dictation (double-tap Command) and simply talking to the AI — telling it what you want and asking it to ask you for the information it needs — is the fastest path to quality results.
  • Differentiation at Scale: AI can rewrite texts at multiple reading levels, generate IEP goal language and curriculum modifications, create scaffolds for multilingual learners, and build tiered assignment versions — ensuring every student has access to grade-level content.
  • Assessment and Feedback Support: AI can draft formative checks, exit tickets, rubrics, and written feedback on student work. The key principle: AI drafts the feedback, you personalize and deliver it.

Actionable Insights:

  • Start with One Task: Identify one thing AI can take off your plate next week — planning, communication, and administrative tasks are perfect low-stakes starting points with high reward.
  • Use the District Platform: Always use AI Studio for professional AI tasks rather than personal accounts. This ensures data privacy and compliance with district guidelines.
  • Be Transparent About AI Use: Model for students what responsible AI use looks like. Don't hide your usage — instead, teach students to use AI as a thinking partner, not a shortcut.
  • Shift the Academic Integrity Question: Instead of asking "how do we catch AI cheating," focus on designing tasks where thinking is the point — emphasizing process, reflection, and application.
  • Review Everything: AI can be wrong or biased. Always review AI-generated content before using it with students. You are the expert on your students; AI is your assistant.

Looking Ahead:

The district is developing clear guidance on academic integrity and AI use — staff should watch for updates. The goal is not perfection but experimentation and growth. Starting small with one tool and one task, sharing what works with colleagues, and iterating based on results will build the confidence and capacity needed to make AI a meaningful part of professional practice across the district.