Topics

9:00  Introduction to DNA for Genealogy Research - Shannon 

In spite of it's more and more widespread use in genealogy, most of us are still somewhat confused as to how to apply it to our personal research.  Shannon will teach us all about:

• The basics of autosomal DNA
• How to use it in genealogy research
• Ethnicity breakdowns 
• How you can use the tools at Ancestry, FamilySearch, and MyHeritage

11:00  DNA: Techniques for Analysis - Shannon

In this class, will learn more about how to use DNA in our family research.

• Case studies/examples to demonstrate how all three types of DNA can be used in genealogy
• How to create a research plan incorporating DNA into your existing genealogy research
• Third party tools and techniques for understanding results

2:00  Guardrails When Using AI for Genealogical Research - Kelly

AI is a somewhat confusing and controversial topic.  Some have embraced this new technology, while others look at it with suspicion and even fear.   But like most things, it all depends on how it's used.  Kellly will help us by giving us an overview of safely using AI, focussing on:

• What AI is and what it is not
• Safety and security
• Copyrights and plagiarism
• Hallucinations and bailouts, keeping AI honest.

4:00  Discussions with AI - Kelly

In this class Kelly will ovver a  live demonstration of discussing with an AI to transcribe, transcode, decode and interpret historical documents.  Examples may include: 

• Documents that were encrypted using simple (pre WWII) encryption schemes
• Handwritten documents
• Cross-written documents