DREAMS - 6 Thoughtful Ways to Use AI

A framework I use to help participants discover meaningful AI applications

I use the DREAMS framework to help participants move beyond basic AI tasks to discover thoughtful and impactful applications. Each category represents a distinct way AI can enhance our work and thinking processes.

The Cards

The DREAMS cards are included in the 1€ Starter Kit.

The Framework

D - Diverge

AI excels at generating diverse options and perspectives, helping us break free from conventional thinking.

Key Applications:

Brainstorming alternative approaches
Generating multiple versions
Exploring "what if" scenarios
Creating variations of content

Diverge Prompt

Generate 5 unconventional approaches to teaching programming to beginners.

R - Review

AI can act as a thoughtful reviewer, helping evaluate work and prompting reflection.

Key Applications:

Checking consistency
Identifying gaps
Assessing pros and cons
Suggesting improvements
Questioning assumptions

Review Prompt

Review this lesson plan and identify potential areas where students might struggle.

E - Edit

Beyond basic proofreading, AI can enhance clarity and quality across various content types.

Key Applications:

Improving clarity
Enhancing readability
Adjusting tone
Restructuring content

Edit Prompt

Simplify this technical explanation for a non-technical audience while maintaining accuracy.

A - Analyze

AI can extract insights and patterns from data, text, or other content.

Key Applications:

Finding patterns
Extracting key points
Comparing elements
Identifying trends

Analyze Prompt

Analyze these student responses and identify common misconceptions about AI.

M - Morph

Transform content between formats or adapt it for different contexts.

Key Applications:

Converting formats
Adapting for audiences
Translating content
Repurposing materials

Morph Prompt

Transform this blog post into a script for a 2-minute video.

S - Search

AI can help retrieve and synthesize relevant information efficiently.

Key Applications:

Finding specific information
Summarizing content
Connecting related concepts
Answering questions

Search Prompt

Find relevant examples of AI being used in elementary education.

Training Tips

1. Start with Their Tasks

I start by having participants identify everyday tasks, then explore how each DREAMS category could improve them.

2. Use Real Examples

I always demonstrate each category with relevant examples from their field. See the Demo library for DREAMS-specific examples.

3. Encourage Combinations

I've found the most powerful applications often combine multiple DREAMS categories. For example:

Diverge + Analyze: Generate options then evaluate them
Review + Edit: Identify issues then improve them
Search + Morph: Find information then adapt it

Activities

Here are some activities you can use to explore the DREAMS framework:

The DREAMS Matrix activity for a systematic exploration of applications
The DREAMS Brainwriting activity, a fun dynamic way to brainstorm ideas

Before the DREAMS activity, you can run the Task Mapping activity to get participants thinking about their everyday tasks.

Resources

Get the DREAMS cards in the AI Tinkerers' Starter Kit
Templates for facilitation (also included in the Starter Kit):
- Miro DREAMS Matrix template for virtual sessions
- Stormz DREAMS Brainstorming template for large groups and also virtual sessions.
Browse the demo library for DREAMS-specific examples

3 Styles of Prompting

Learn the three fundamental prompting styles and when to use each one for optimal results.

License for the Guides

You can reuse the text content of these guides for your training, but you must give credit and license under identical terms.