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Introduction
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How prompts work
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Anatomy of a prompt
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System prompts
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Defensive prompting
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Prompting for thinking
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Prompting for creativity
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Knowledge check
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We want to hear from you!
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Conclusion
Diving Deeper into Prompting -- AI in Construction Program (Part 4)
Elevate your prompting skills. Explore Chain of Thought, creative prompting, and defensive strategies to maximize AI's potential.
Instructor: Hugh Seaton
1 hour
Last reviewed 10/2025
Video Content
Course Description
Take your Generative AI skills to the next level with this module, focusing on advanced prompting techniques that turn your AI into a truly effective partner. You will gain a deep understanding that AI models are not thinkers, but powerful pattern matchers. This module teaches you how to guide the matching process to get precise and useful results, rather than just random answers. We will explore the concept of the "context window" and how to effectively manage the information you give to AI, avoiding issues like "laziness" where AI might miss crucial details in long documents.
Discover the "anatomy of a prompt," a proven framework that helps you structure your instructions for optimal AI performance. You will learn to clearly define your role, provide essential project context, and set specific instructions and constraints. A key skill covered is Chain of Thought (CoT) prompting, which involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This technique forces AI to "think" through a process, leading to much more accurate and logical outputs for tasks like complex calculations or strategic analysis in construction management.
This module also introduces system prompts, the invisible instructions that guide AI's overall behavior, and how you can use "customization prompts" to tailor AI to your specific needs, like always returning answers in professional language or bullet points. You will also learn powerful defensive prompting strategies to prevent AI from fabricating information or using outdated data, ensuring reliable outputs for your construction projects.
Learning Objectives
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Describe how Large Language Models (LLMs) process prompts using context windows.
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Construct a clear prompt with roles, instructions, and limits.
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Explain LLM “hallucinations” and apply defensive prompting techniques.
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Outline a Chain of Thought (CoT) strategy to solve complex tasks.
Prerequisites
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Learning Level: Beginner
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Prerequisite Knowledge: Completion of Getting Started with Generative AI & Chatbots.
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Recommended Knowledge: None.
Continuing Education Course Credits
Course Title: AI in Construction
Course Number: PC-02-091725
Session Number: 1
Curriculum Group Name: AIA Providers
Credit: 5 AIA LU
Course Expiration Date: 09/24/2028
Procore's Continuing Education courses may qualify for continuing education credits with other professional organizations or fulfill state licensing requirements. If you are a member of a different organization, you can download your course completion certificate from your learning profile and report your completion yourself to the organization for potential credit. Please refer to the organization's continuing education requirements for course eligibility information.
AIA CES Provider statement
Procore Technologies is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 40108059. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will this module help me get AI to process very long documents more effectively?
You will learn about the "context window" and its limitations, especially how AI might "underweight" information in the middle of long documents. This module teaches you how to structure your prompts and content to help AI focus on all relevant parts of large documents like spec books.
What is the most effective way to structure my prompts to get precise and high-quality responses from AI?
This module will teach you a proven framework for prompt writing, focusing on three key parts: focus, instruction, and refinement. You will learn how to define your role and project context, give clear instructions, and add constraints, examples, and desired delivery formats for optimal results.
Can I use the skills from this module to make AI help me generate creative ideas or multiple solutions for construction challenges?
Absolutely! You will learn how to use AI as a "thought partner" for creativity and problem-solving. The module provides tips like asking AI to generate a high volume of diverse options, instructing it to act as a "world-class creative thinker," and using "ultra-creative" modes to spark innovative solutions.
What's Next
Continue your learning journey
This course is part of the “AI in Construction” Learning Path. Explore and Complete the additional Courses in this learning path below to complete your journey.
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Program Intro
View Course PageWelcome to AI in Construction! Explore program goals, module content, and what to expect in your learning journey.
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The Basics of AI
View Course PageDive into AI essentials and learn about Deep and Generative AI and how AI agents perform tasks.
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Getting Started with Generative AI & Chatbots
View Course PageLearn prompting, context engineering, data security, and navigate AI's probabilistic nature.
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You are here!
Diving Deeper into Prompting
Elevate your prompting skills. Explore Chain of Thought, creative prompting, and defensive strategies to maximize AI's potential.
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Applying AI to Construction
View Course PageExplore AI uses in estimating, project management, QA/QC, and contract review, always with human oversight.
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Working Together: Humans & AI
View Course PageMaximize AI's scale and consistency while leveraging human judgment and intuition for success.
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Program Exam & Resources
View Course PageTest your knowledge with the final exam and explore pathways for continuous AI learning.
Related Resources
Instructors
Hugh Seaton
Hugh is CEO of TheLink.ai, a Procore marketplace partner, author of The Construction Technology Handbook (Wiley, 2021), host of the AI in Construction youtube channel, and creator of Procore’s Data in Construction series. As product manager and entrepreneur, Hugh has led the creation of a series of AI products, from voice-activated daily logs to specifications analysis tools and more. Hugh lives in Austin, TX with his dog, Bob.
