Patteri ES: Build Smarter with AI in Kouvola

Vol 29, Issue 03, 25 September 2026

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday work, but knowing how to use it effectively is another matter. On September 22, Patteri ES hosted an interactive workshop at Xamk Kouvola titled “Build Smarter with AI: A Practical AI Workflow Workshop with “Lassi Saarela”. The session focused on moving beyond simply asking AI questions and exploring how AI tools can become part of a practical workflow.

The workshop introduced participants to different ways of working with AI and explained some of the basic concepts behind these tools. Instead of being a traditional presentation, the session encouraged participants to ask questions, test different tools, and follow along with practical examples.

One of the main topics was how to turn an idea into an AI project. Participants explored what needs to be considered when defining a project and how AI can be integrated into the process.

The discussion also helped explain what happens behind the scenes when we interact with AI. Rather than treating AI as a “black box,” participants were introduced to the basic concepts behind how AI tools work and how different components can be connected to create a useful workflow.

A particularly practical part of the workshop was the introduction to “Ollama”, a tool that allows users to run AI models locally. The instructor demonstrated how to install and run the software and guided participants through the process step by step.

This hands-on approach made the technical part easier to understand. Participants followed the instructions on their own computers, tried commands themselves, and asked questions whenever they faced difficulties. Individual support was also provided to help participants run the software and understand how it worked.

The workshop also provided an opportunity to discuss questions that participants had about AI. The questions were answered throughout the session with practical explanations rather than focusing only on theory.

Another resource introduced during the workshop was “Jake van Clief”, a YouTube creator who shares content related to AI and technology. Participants were encouraged to explore his content and continue learning about the rapidly developing AI field.

What made the event different from a standard lecture was its interactive format. Participants were not only listening but also experimenting, asking questions, and learning how to use the tools themselves.

As AI continues to influence education, business, and technology, practical AI skills are becoming increasingly useful for students. For Business Administration students in particular, understanding AI workflows can provide new ways to approach projects, analyze information, and develop ideas.

The “Build Smarter with AI” workshop showed that learning about AI does not have to remain theoretical. With practical guidance, students can move from understanding basic concepts to running tools and experimenting with AI themselves.