Two free AI workshops will take place in Birmingham on Tuesday, September 15, giving educators, students, and residents hands-on introductions to artificial intelligence tools. The Birmingham Public Library and Lawson State Community College are hosting separate events designed to make AI practical and accessible for everyday tasks.
The Birmingham Public Library will present "AI Made Simple: Practical AI for Everyday Use" at 11 a.m. at the Springville Road Regional Library, 1224 Springville Road. The one-hour workshop will be led by Leila Lewis of Solid Ground Strategies, who will guide participants through real-world applications for both individuals and businesses.
Lewis will cover how AI can help with brainstorming, drafting communications, organizing information, and tackling routine work. The session targets small business owners, job seekers, students, and professionals who want to understand the technology without a technical background. Attendance is available in person or virtually.
In-person registration is open at practicalAIbpl.eventbrite.com. A separate registration link is available for the virtual class through the library's website.
Lawson State adds hands-on sessions
Lawson State Community College will also host two free 90-minute AI learning sessions this month. The first is September 15 at 11 a.m. in the Ethel Hall Auditorium on the Bessemer campus, 1100 9th Avenue SW. A second session follows on September 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the ACATT Building on the Birmingham campus, 3060 Wilson Road SW.
The college said no prior technical experience is required. Topics include building confidence with AI tools, exploring creative applications, understanding privacy considerations, and learning about responsible AI use. Both sessions are open to the public.
These workshops reflect a growing recognition that AI literacy is becoming a core skill across professions. For educators specifically, resources like the AI Learning Path for Teachers can extend what these introductory sessions cover, offering structured guidance on integrating AI into classroom workflows and lesson planning.
Why this matters for educators
Teachers and school staff face mounting pressure to understand AI as students begin using these tools independently. The September 15 workshops offer a low-stakes entry point. For those who want to go further, resources tagged under AI for Education provide ongoing training tailored to academic environments. The key takeaway: free, local training removes the cost barrier that often keeps educators from exploring technology that their students are already using.
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