Create Custom Models and AI Assistants Using Open Source LLMs and Tools

Learn how to build your own specialized AI assistants using Ollama, a free and user-friendly tool that runs on your own computer. No coding required.

What You'll Learn

In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll discover how to transform generic AI models into specialized teaching assistants, creative partners, and personal productivity tools. We'll use Ollama's simple Modelfile system - think of it as writing instructions for an actor rather than programming a computer. You'll also learn to use tools for evaluating and comparing responses from different models to help you refine and improve your custom assistants.

### What We'll Build Together:

During our hands-on session, we will create several custom models including:

• Poetry Teaching Assistant: An encouraging tutor that helps students write haikus, sonnets, and free verse with personalized feedback
• Historical Roleplay Characters: Learn history by conversing with figures from any era - from Henry David Thoreau and Emmy Noether to Queen Elizabeth and Winston Churchill
• Travel Itinerary Planner: Creates detailed day-by-day travel plans based on your interests, budget, and accessibility needs
• Interview Prep Assistant: A practice partner that asks field-specific questions and provides constructive feedback on your responses
• Science Lab Report Helper: An assistant that teaches the scientific method through hands-on guidance with experiments and lab reports

### You'll Walk Away With:

• Hands-on experience creating and modifying AI model
• Workflow and steps to create custom AI models
• Understanding of the iterative process for improving AI assistants
• Foundation skills to keep learning and building
• Connection to a supportive community for your ongoing AI journey

### Requirements:

• No programming experience needed
• Just bring curiosity and ideas for AI assistants you'd like to create!

### Who Should Attend:

Perfect for educators, trainers, content creators, professionals, or anyone curious about customizing AI for specific purposes. If you've ever thought "I wish AI could help with ___," this workshop is for you.

Join us to demystify AI customization and start building tools that work exactly the way you need them to!