About the AI Learning Lab
The AI Hands-On Learning Lab is a monthly, guided exploration of technology tools with a focus on their AI capabilities. Each session spotlights a specific software and provides learners the opportunity to delve into its distinct AI features through hands-on exploration. The lab will also foster discussions on how these tools can be effectively used across workplace contexts - from getting the job, reducing friction in your workflow processes, and leveling up your learning design.
We will rotate through focusing on an AI tool through one of these three specific lenses:
Our July lab will focus specifically on Slack AI.
About Slack AI
While Slack remains primarily a messaging tool, its premium, paid add-on Slack AI (available on Business+ and Enterprise plans) introduces a layer of automation designed to help manage daily information overload. For busy L&D and talent development professionals, digging through endless channel history and training threads can be a massive time-drain.
In this interactive, hands-on session, we will look past the marketing hype to test what Slack AI can actually do to streamline your daily communication.
Important Note on Access: The features explored in this session require a premium Slack AI license. If your organization hasn't enabled this paid add-on, you may not see these features in your day-to-day workspace, but this lab serves as an excellent opportunity to evaluate whether the upgrade is worth the investment for your team.
What we will explore and evaluate together:
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Thread & Channel Summarization: Test how effectively Slack AI synthesizes long, messy conversation threads and missed channel updates into quick recaps.
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Natural Language Workspace Search: Practice using conversational prompts to extract specific answers, files, or milestones hidden deep within your historical Slack messages.
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Workflow Automation Dissections: Discuss how to combine basic Slack workflows with AI steps to help field internal FAQs or gather training feedback without leaving the chat interface.
Mary serves as the Vice President of Technology for ATD Central Mass. Currently an instructional designer at Boston Scientific, she holds an M.A. in Educational Technology Leadership from George Washington University and an additional M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages with a focus on adult learners from Teachers College, Columbia University. A technology evangelist and project management professional with extensive experience managing diverse learning and development projects in the northeast, as well as Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Germany, Mary’s interests encompass adult learning, educational technology, task authenticity, learning transfer, competency-based learning, and culturally responsive practices. Her favorite instructional design model is SAM (with Dick & Carey close behind). Mary is particularly passionate about adapting learning design, instruction, and technology to enhance cultural relevance for target audience as well as implementing small moves to address performance gaps.
Capability Model - Technology Application, Lifelong Learning, Future Readiness
