About 16 AI things

About 16 AI things in 93 Days

16 AI things in 93 Days is a self-paced, hands-on learning opportunity designed to introduce William & Mary staff, faculty, and campus community members to the core ideas, tools, and questions surrounding generative artificial intelligence (AI). The name is a playful take on “1693,” the year W&M was founded.

Inspired by the popular 23 things model, this program offers 16 micro-lessons (“things”), each focused on a different aspect of AI, such as text generation, image creation, ethical considerations, and practical applications for everyday work.

Grounded in a human-centered approach to AI, the program encourages thoughtful engagement with the technology and its impact.

Participants will have 93 days (from July 8 to October 9) to complete as many things as they like. You may begin and end at any point in between those two dates.

This program is designed with curiosity, creativity, and approachability in mind. Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT or DALL-E, you’ll find opportunities to reflect, experiment, and grow.

Why AI? Why Now?

Generative AI tools are rapidly changing how we work, communicate, and learn. With that comes opportunity and responsibility. “16 AI things” aims to build foundational AI literacy across campus by helping you better understand what AI can (and can’t) do, how to use it ethically, and how to stay informed in an evolving landscape.

We believe learning should be fun, informal, and low-stakes. That’s why each Thing is designed to take about 15–20 minutes and includes options to explore, reflect, and try something out. You’re in control of your pace and your path.

Who Can Participate?

This opportunity was created with W&M staff and PPFA in mind, but anyone in the W&M community is welcome to join—faculty, students, and other curious minds! You must have an active W&M email account in order to win prizes.

Tell Me More About the Prizes!

The first 50 people to complete thing 1 will receive a 16 AI things sticker.

Participants who complete at least 8 things by August 1 will be entered into a drawing to receive a William & Mary notebook. 25 names will be drawn.

Participants who complete at least 12 things by September 1 will be entered into a drawing to receive a William & Mary Tevis tumbler.15 names will be drawn.

Everyone who completes all 16 things by October 9, 2025, will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize (TBA).

Stickers will be mailed to campus addresses.

All other prizes will be held for winners at Swem Library’s front desk, or delivered to the VIMS campus, Washington Center, or Highland. Sorry, we cannot mail items to home addresses. 

How Do I Get Started?

We’ll launch officially on July 8. The first 9 lessons will be immediately available, with the others rolled out over the rest of the summer.

Each thing will be published online and include links, prompts, and short tasks. You’ll be able to complete the lessons on your own time and track your progress by commenting on each thing.

Don’t want to have your comments publicly viewable? Email the project team for an alternate option.

Questions?

Contact us at 16-AI-things@lists.wm.edu  We’re happy to answer questions.

Let’s explore the world of AI together, one thing at a time.

Project team: Camille Andrews, Candice Benjes-Small (team lead), Troy Davis, John Drummond, Anna Milholland, and Paul Showalter