Blueprint with AI

Here's what you'll need:

1. A new Google Gemini or ChatGPT chat conversation.

2. The NICC Blueprint Table Template downloaded as a PDF file.

3. Your course guide downloaded as a PDF file.

4. If your textbook readings are not listed in Brightspace, include a screenshot or photo of the book's table of contents. If you use an OER, you can download a PDF of the full text or include chapter and topic information.

5. A list of your course content:

   • If your content is in Brightspace, simply click on the Table of Contents* in your Brightspace course. Right-click on the page and choose "print" then "save to PDF." 

   • If your content is not in Brightspace, you will need one or more files listing your unit structure (weeks, modules, etc.), reading and audio/video materials, activities, and assessments. This can be in one or more Word docs, PDF, files, spreadsheets, etc. It does not need to be perfectly organized or structured. You may be able to use your syllabus calendar if it is thoroughly filled out. If you do not have this information readily available, you can skip it and fill it in manually later. 

   • A copy of your grade book. In Brightspace, go to the "enter grades" page, right-click, and choose "print" then "save as PDF."

*If your course uses the new content layout, click the settings cog in the upper left corner of the course and choose "view report" this will allow you to right-click and print a list of your content.

Step 2: Prepare the chatbot for the task.

Copy and paste the following sample prompt into a new chat in your conversation:

When prompted for a blueprint, extract the data from the attached files and organize it into one table using the headers provided in the attached "blueprint table template" file. Use only the files that will be uploaded with each blueprint prompt. Align the content from the table of contents file with the course guide based on titling and descriptions. Cross-check the grades file to ensure all assessments are accounted for in the blueprint. After producing the blueprint, indicate any ELOs (8.X) and competencies (9.X.X) from the course guide that are not represented on the blueprint. Keep responses short and focused. Do not summarize every chat.

Gemini Users: You can add this line to your prompt: Provide an export link to a Google Sheet.

Add or attach the generic blueprint table template PDF file and hit Enter. 

Step 3: Create your first blueprint.

Once your chatbot has acknowledged the prompt above, upload your files from step one and direct the AI tool to blueprint the course. If there is specific information that will help the AI correctly align your course, you can add this to the prompt. 

Suggested Prompts:

You can copy/paste one of these prompts to generate your blueprint.

Blueprint Only: Create a blueprint for this course.

Blueprint + Course Calendar: Create a blueprint for this course. Add a Due Date column and include aligned due dates from the table of contents file. Include aligned points from the grades file next to each assessment and activity.

Additional Customization:

You can give your chatbot more information to help with accuracy. Examples:

• Everything labeled module assessment should go in the assessments column 

• All quizzes should go in the activities column

• Align to the ELOs and competencies listed in each module description

• All discussions and quizzes should go in the activities column

Once the AI has created your blueprint, check it carefully for accuracy. You can ask the AI tool to refine the results by moving certain types of content to a different column, etc. 

Step 4: Download and customize your blueprint.

ChatGPT Users: When you are happy with the draft, copy and paste the table into your blueprint template downloaded from the assessment matrix, or into a blank Google Sheet. Review the blueprint for accuracy and make any necessary edits.

Gemini Users: Click the blue "export to Google Sheet" link on the bottom right corner of the generated blueprint. Then, look for a "Open Sheet" notice in the bottom left of your screen. Open your sheet to view the blueprint and make any necessary edits. 

Note for users pasting into an NICC blueprint template: When you paste the table into your template, you will see red error icons in the ELO and competency cells because they are formatted to pull from a drop-down menu. You can ignore these errors or highlight the columns, select "data validation" under the data menu, and delete the existing validations on the left-hand side of the screen.

Step 5: Share and publish your blueprint.

When you are finished with your blueprint, click the blue "Share" button in the upper right corner of your sheet. Change the access to "anyone with the link can view." Copy the blueprint link and paste it into the blueprint section of your syllabus and set the link as "visible."