registration ends 14 August--don't wait!

Genealogy Problem Solving with AI

and

US Probate Records Class

Grow your research skills with a genealogy class--no grades!

Presentations given by Michael John Neill

View lectures at your convenience. Attend content discussions after you've watched content

A new 4-week class!

Genealogy Problem Solving with AI

We will use the free versions of Gemini and Perplexity for this class. Students can use other platforms if they so desire.

This course will cover:

·        what AI is (briefly)

·        responsible use of AI for genealogical research

·        creation and development of prompts

·        strengths and weaknesses of AI

Our focus will be on practical and hands-on applications of AI for genealogical research, particularly

• the creation of tables and charts
• the creation of reports, record summaries, research plans and strategies,
• the development of problem-solving approaches.

Our focus will not be on using AI to replace research and analysis but rather on using AI to perform tedious tasks, extract details from materials, and serve as a research assistant under specific direction.

Students should have at least two families or problems on which they want to work as a part of the class. Students are encouraged to register early so they can get the “homework direction sheet” which outlines the genealogy content needed for in-class projects. Homework will consist of exercises based on students’ own problems and on exercises done by all students based on problems supplied by the instructor.

Lectures will include theoretical concerns, but the actual emphasis will be on practical examples.

Class starts on Sunday 17 August and runs through 14 September. Meetings are at 8:30 pm central time. Registration is limited and is $65.

Class structure:

Students will watch lectures during the week before the class discussion.

Week 1

Orientation (via Zoom) to class structure and lecture download process—17 August. First lecture posted for download. Homework posted. Students download lecture, listen to lecture, do homework, interact with other students and instructor via class website.

Week 2

Discussion of lecture 1 and student questions (Via Zoom)—24 August. Second lecture posted for download. Homework posted. Students download lecture, listen to lecture, do homework, interact with other students and instructor via class website.

Week 3

Discussion of lecture 2 and student questions (Via Zoom)—31 August. Third lecture posted for download. Homework posted. Students download lecture, listen to lecture, do homework, interact with other students and instructor via class website.

Week 4

Discussion of lecture 3 and student questions (Via Zoom)—7 September. Fourth lecture posted for download. Homework posted. Students download lecture, listen to lecture, do homework, interact with other students and instructor via class website.

Week 5

Discussion of lecture 4 and student questions (Via Zoom)—14 September. Class wrap-up.



Zoom discussions will be recorded and those who were unable to attend can view recordings of class discussions in addition to lectures. 

US Probate Records Class

Four lectures over five weeks

Lectures:

1. Overview of the probate process. This session will include a generalization of the probate process across the United States focusing on differences that are significant to genealogical researchers.
2. Organization, location, and searching of records. This session will include a discussion of the typical organizational structure and location of probate records. Also included will be a discussion of manual search processes and organization of materials once they have been located. Organization will include ways to organize digital images and copies of records in a way that makes logical sense and facilitates documentation.
3. Interpretation and use of state statutes. This session will discuss the interpretation of located probate materials, deciding further research, and the location and use of applicable contemporary state statute in problem solving.
4. Extended examples. This session will look at three extended examples-one from Virginia in the early 19th century, one from Illinois in the very early 20th century, and one from Ohio in the early 19th century.

Registration is $65

Students will watch lectures during the week before the class discussion.

Discussions will be at 7:00 pm central time on Sundays starting on 17 August and ending on 14 September. The first discussion is actually an overview of the class and the process. Discussions over actual content of the class start the following week. This is a total of five discussions (the intro one and one discussing each of the four lectures). Class discussions are held via Zoom and will be recorded.