We’re thrilled to share that Chapman University’s 2026 Summer Software Showcase, held last week, was a successful day of learning and discovery! The event featured engaging demonstrations and valuable insights from university colleagues, providing an opportunity to share their knowledge and for attendees to learn how Artificial Intelligence is transforming our daily work processes.
Event Highlights and Live Demos: Missed the live event or want to revisit a session? You can view any of the 2026 Summer Software Showcase recordings by clicking on each of the workshop titles below.
- Create It Right, Check It Fast: Accessibility in Canvas: Participants explored simple steps to make Canvas content more inclusive and accessible, such as using Ally to check files and images, improving video captions, and providing alternative formats that support a diverse range of learners.
- Safe AI Usage: This session clarified which types of data are suitable for sharing with AI, what should not be disclosed, and the reasons for this. It also linked the responsible use of AI with practical advice on how to recognize vishing and phishing scams.
- Asking Better Questions: The Art of Prompting with Copilot: Attendees examined how thoughtful prompts can improve Copilot responses. The session emphasized guiding the tool with clearer intent and developing a more effective approach to working with AI.
- Turn Ideas into Designs with Canva AI: The demonstration illustrated the way in which simple concepts and prompts can be turned into professional and editable designs by using the Canva AI tools for content, visuals, and layouts.
- Rough Draft to Remarkable: Grammarly AI in Action: Participants saw examples of how Grammarly AI could be used to carry out brainstorming, rewrite and improve their writing, all while saving time and keeping their on-brand voice.
- AI in Practice: Perspectives from Across Campus: The closing roundtable shared perspectives on how AI is being used in day-to-day work and highlighted AI activity taking place across different areas of the university.
Why It Mattered
The 2026 Summer Software Showcase gave Chapman staff and faculty an opportunity to:
- Build practical skills with tools and approaches that can support everyday work.
- Use AI more responsibly by taking account of data safety, the institutional context, and being aware of phishing and vishing scams.
- Create more accessible experiences through stronger Canvas content, captions, files, images, and alternative formats.
- Learn across departments by hearing how colleagues are putting AI into practice around campus.
Thank You!
On behalf of everyone at Chapman University Information Systems and Technology, thank you to everyone who supported the 2026 Summer Software Showcase. Your questions, ideas, and willingness to explore new approaches helped make the event a valuable learning opportunity for the Chapman community.
If you want to keep up to date with AI standards, approved tools, guidance, and best practices, go to Chapman University’s AI Hub.
Stay tuned for more AI learning opportunities from IS&T!
