plAI Date + Data Bytes | Using AI for Smart Data Analysis & Insights

How can artificial intelligence help you make better sense of data—without being a data analyst or statistician? In this Data Bytes & plAI Date session, presenters explore practical, real‑world ways AI tools can support smarter data interpretation, reporting, and decision‑making across higher education. Led by Zach Lewis (Associate Dean, Institutional Research, Rio Salado College) and Michael Tyler (Director of Institutional Research, Paradise Valley College), this interactive workshop focuses on using AI as a thinking partner—not a replacement for institutional research expertise. In this session, you’ll learn how to: * Use AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM to interpret aggregate data and dashboards * Generate executive summaries, narratives, and discussion‑ready insights * Identify trends, questions, and hypotheses from existing reports * Combine internal data with external sources (e.g., labor market data) for context * Apply a simple DATA prompting framework (Define context, Add data, Tell the task, Ask for format) * Avoid common pitfalls such as hallucinations, overconfidence, and misuse of AI for calculations * Follow best practices for data privacy, ethical use, and institutional compliance What’s included: * Live demonstrations using real (aggregate) Maricopa Community Colleges dashboards * Hands‑on examples of summarizing trends, comparing pre‑ and post‑COVID data, and contextualizing findings * Honest discussion about AI limitations—especially around math, statistics, and verification * Guidance for non‑technical users looking to work more confidently with institutional data ⚠️ Important note: This session emphasizes responsible AI use. Student‑level data, PII, HR files, and financial aid information should not be uploaded into AI tools. Whether you’re involved in planning, program review, student support, or leadership conversations, this session will help you use AI thoughtfully to save time, deepen insight, and ask better questions.