SEAHO Report - Winter 2025 - 26

FEATURE ARTICLES
Streamlining your Work
with Open AI Tools: Crafting
Effective Writing Prompts
By Miguel Sosa, University of North Florida
Introduction
This is a follow-up to a great article that can be found in the Fall 2023 Issue of the SEAHO Report " From
Terminator 2 to ChatGPT: My Journey with AI. " If you haven't read that article, the TLDR version is that it
reviews the potential of AI tools like ChatGPT in streamlining the daily responsibilities of housing professionals.
From crafting facilitation guides to analyzing survey data, this article delves deeper into the practical side of AI
integration by showing how to craft effective prompts for AI tools.
While AI tools are powerful, their value depends heavily on how we interact with them. A well-constructed
prompt can unlock creativity, streamline processes, and even address complex challenges in housing and
residence life.
Let's dive into how you can design prompts to get the most out of AI tools, taking the examples from the
previous article a step further.
Why AI matters in Housing and Residence Life
If you are still using pen and paper, and are not sure what AI tools are, they are software applications powered
by Artificial Intelligence (AI), designed to simulate human intelligence and perform tasks that typically require
cognitive skills. These tools leverage advanced technologies, such as machine learning, natural language
processing (NLP), and neural networks, to analyze data, generate insights, and automate processes.
In my experience with AI, I have used it to draft/rewrite emails and announcements, create training materials
and lesson plans, and generate programming ideas. I use the tools to help me solve problems, build off
existing ideas, and save time.
I have been using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gamma.ai in my work for over a year. During this
time, I've learned the importance of reviewing the prompts that you input, editing the outputs AI provides, and
reediting again and again.
Understanding Prompts and Prompt Engineering
By now you may be thinking, " what is a writing prompt? " A writing prompt is a structured question or instruction
given to an AI tool to guide its response. Think of it as the blueprint or set of directions that tells the AI what to
do, the tone to use, and the context to consider. Just like how clear communication is vital when working with
colleagues, crafting a well-thought-out prompt ensures the AI understands your needs and produces accurate,
relevant, and high-quality results.
The quality of an AI's response depends heavily on the clarity, detail, and structure of the prompt. A vague
prompt leads to generic, vague, or off-topic answers, while a precise prompt empowers the AI to deliver
insightful, creative, and contextually appropriate solutions. In short, the better the prompt, the better the
response.
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http://www.Gamma.ai

SEAHO Report - Winter 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SEAHO Report - Winter 2025