Appropriate ways to use AI on your portfolio assignments:
Write down your experiences using bullet points. Provide AI with your bullet points and ask it to transform into proper sentences.
Give AI a draft of your writing, and ask it to check for any grammatical errors.
Ask AI to rate portfolio and suggest edits based on the following criteria:
1. Format: consistent, readable, and easy to understand, technical vocabulary used properly and defined in context.
2. Organization of content: concise summary, highly relevant technical analysis, writing style almost exclusively technical writing, images used to support analysis
3. Synthesis: shows student big picture understanding of content across rotations (Computer Lab, physics, art, shop) through a single synthesis “theme” supported with technical details
Give AI a draft of your writing and ask it to remove unnecessary “fluff” to tighten up technical writing/ avoid exceeding word count (700 words)
Inappropriate ways to use AI on your portfolio assignments:
Ask AI to write you a portfolio post about assembling your final project, then directly submit that as your final portfolio post.
This is ineffective because it will be too general and will not include specific, technical details about your experience
Any straight copy/paste of AI output without editing to be sure you understand what the output means.
Use AI to enhance writing without citing it as a source on final product
NEVER give AI personal or identifying information, such as student or teacher names.
Good Example(s):
Helpful Tip: Provide context and specific instructions
Prompt: “This unit I worked on using SolidWorks to create a 3D model for my Luminism Shadow Box project. Key concepts I learned were making configurations, fully defining sketches, utilizing copy with mates, learning the difference between concentric and coincident mates, and making exploded views. Create a one-paragraph summary with blank sections so that I can personalize with examples. Use high school academic language.”
Result from AI: This unit, I worked on using SolidWorks to create a 3D model for my [Project Name]. Through this process, I learned key concepts such as making configurations to [Example: create multiple design variations], fully defining sketches to ensure [Example: accurate dimensions and constraints], and utilizing copy with mates to efficiently replicate components. I also explored the difference between concentric and coincident mates when assembling parts, which helped me [Example: align components correctly], and created an exploded view to [Example: illustrate how the design fits together]. This experience strengthened my understanding of 3D modeling and design principles, preparing me for more advanced engineering projects.
Write about your personal experiences in the green sections.
Red text is still vague! This is why it is important to read through your AI output and edit as necessary. Example of a better closing sentence: In the end, learning these SolidWorks tools helped me create my assembly more efficiently and understand why certain mates are more appropriate for different part surfaces.
Prompt: Write a paragraph that synthesizes these activities on the topic of flexible thinking when encountering problems with blank sections where I can insert examples. Use technical language at a high school level:
Physics: practiced creating the circuits that will be used in the Luminism Shadow Box using mini breadboards, LED wires, and photoresistors
Shop: added pips to the 6-sided die on the mill by edgefinding to zero the X and Y axes on the DRO on the corner of the die
Art: worked on my 2-point perspective drawing using vertical and orthogonal lines that connect to vanishing points
Computer Lab: worked on spreadsheets from collected class data using functions, charts, and conditional formatting to organize and analyze data; created a website on Weebly about my DPEA experience
Result: Flexible thinking is essential when encountering unexpected challenges in technical and creative processes, requiring adaptability and problem-solving across disciplines. In physics, while assembling circuits for the Luminism Shadow Box, I encountered [describe issue, e.g., a malfunctioning LED or incorrect wiring], which required troubleshooting through [explain solution, e.g., testing connections with a multimeter or adjusting resistor values]. Similarly, in the shop, when machining the six-sided die, I faced [describe issue, e.g., misalignment in edge-finding or incorrect drill depth], necessitating [explain solution, e.g., recalibrating the DRO or adjusting the mill feed rate] to ensure accuracy. In art, while constructing a two-point perspective drawing, I struggled with [describe issue, e.g., aligning orthogonal lines or maintaining consistent proportions], leading me to [explain solution, e.g., use a T-square for precision or adjust vanishing points]. Likewise, in Computer Lab, while working with spreadsheets or website design, I needed to address [describe issue, e.g., incorrect function syntax, misformatted data, or layout inconsistencies], which I resolved by [explain solution, e.g., debugging formulas, applying conditional formatting, or reorganizing site elements for clarity]. Across all these activities, the ability to analyze problems, adjust approaches, and implement effective solutions was critical in achieving a successful final outcome.
Bad Example
Prompt: synthesize these activities:
Physics: practiced creating the circuits that will be used in the Luminism Shadow Box using mini breadboards, LED wires, and photoresistors
Shop: added pips to the 6-sided die on the mill by edgefinding to zero the X and Y axes on the DRO on the corner of the die
Art: worked on my 2-point perspective drawing using vertical and orthogonal lines that connect to vanishing points
Computer Lab: worked on spreadsheets from collected class data using functions, charts, and conditional formatting to organize and analyze data; created a website on Weebly about my DPEA experience
Result: Across physics, shop, art, and Computer Lab, a common thread emerges: the integration of precision, structure, and problem-solving to transform concepts into tangible outcomes. In physics, creating circuits for the Luminism Shadow Box required methodical wiring and component placement to ensure proper functionality. Similarly, machining a six-sided die in the shop involved precise calibration using the digital readout (DRO) to drill uniform pips. This attention to accuracy is mirrored in art, where constructing a two-point perspective drawing relied on carefully plotted vanishing points and orthogonal lines to create depth and proportion. In Computer Lab, structuring spreadsheets to analyze class data and designing a website on Weebly required a systematic approach to organization and presentation. Whether working with physical materials, digital tools, or visual compositions, each activity highlights the importance of meticulous planning, incremental adjustments, and the ability to translate abstract ideas into structured, functional, and visually coherent designs.
Prompt: “Write a portfolio entry about soldering LEDs for my light sculpture in the Dos Pueblos Engineering academy.”
Result: As part of my work in the Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy, I’ve been soldering LEDs for a custom light sculpture, ensuring strong electrical connections while maintaining a clean design. Troubleshooting faulty connections and managing heat have been key challenges, requiring careful testing and precise soldering techniques. This project has helped me refine my skills in circuitry and craftsmanship, blending technical precision with artistic expression.
Notes: No key terms from the unit present, inauthentic student voice, implies details without actually including any specific details directly related to the DPEA curriculum.
Key Points:
The final output should be believably yours.
Always include specific, technical details to represent your learning experience.
Using AI to revise, polish, format, or stitch together your writing is great!
Always cite your sources. If you use Chat GPT to edit your writing, you should add a citation about this at the end of your assignment, such as “Used ChatGPT to check for grammatical errors in my writing.”
The more input/ information you can give to AI, the more authentic the final result will be
Read what AI wrote and adjust before submitting your assignment, feel free to add follow-up prompts to keep tweaking the output