https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/ Practical AI and digital literacy tutorials, tool explainers, and instructional-design insights from iTechnically Kan. en-us Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:23:37 +0000 https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-are-openai-dots-setup-guide/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-are-openai-dots-setup-guide/ Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 OpenAI Dots are always-on ChatGPT agents with their own cloud computer. Here's who can use them, what they cost, and how to set up your first dot. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/ai-agent-vs-automation/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/ai-agent-vs-automation/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000 An AI agent decides its own steps. Automation follows the exact steps you gave it. Here's the real difference, with examples from n8n and Zapier. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-is-an-ai-harness/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-is-an-ai-harness/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000 An AI harness is the software wrapped around a model that lets it use tools, remember steps, and finish a task. Here's what it does, with real examples. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/n8n-vs-make-which-one-for-ai-agents/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/n8n-vs-make-which-one-for-ai-agents/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000 n8n and Make both build AI agents now. Here's how their agent tools, pricing, and setup on Windows and Mac compare, so you can pick the right one. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-is-chatgpt-sites/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-is-chatgpt-sites/ Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000 ChatGPT Sites turns a plain-English description into a live website or app. Here's how it works, who gets it, and real examples from OpenAI's own build gallery. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/openai-retiring-custom-gpts-what-to-do/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/openai-retiring-custom-gpts-what-to-do/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000 OpenAI is retiring custom GPTs on Dec 11, 2026. Here's why, what carries over to plugins, and how to migrate or back up your GPTs before they stop running. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/gpt-6-astra-prompting-tips/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/gpt-6-astra-prompting-tips/ Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000 OpenAI's GPT-6 Astra prompting guide is written for developers. Here's what it means in plain language, with copy-paste examples for everyday ChatGPT use. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/gpt-6-astra-explained/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/gpt-6-astra-explained/ Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000 GPT-6 Astra is OpenAI's newest flagship model, released September 2026. Here's what changed, what it's good for, and where OpenAI is holding it back. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/claude-fable-5-1-explained/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/claude-fable-5-1-explained/ Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Claude Fable 5.1 is Anthropic's newest model update. Here's what changed, what it costs, and the real work it's already being used for. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/passion-is-for-fun-competence-is-for-sale/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/passion-is-for-fun-competence-is-for-sale/ Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Passion tells you what to enjoy. Competence tells you what you can sell. Some thoughts on chasing skill over chasing 'the one true passion.' https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/chatgpt-work-vs-claude-cowork/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/chatgpt-work-vs-claude-cowork/ Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 ChatGPT Work and Claude Cowork both turn AI into a background worker. Here's how their tasks, file access, pricing, and permissions compare. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/best-chatgpt-model-for-every-task/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/best-chatgpt-model-for-every-task/ Sat, 15 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 There's no single best ChatGPT model. Sol wins on coding and research, Terra balances cost, and Luna handles everyday chat for free. Here's which to pick. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/does-claude-watermark-your-own-writing/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/does-claude-watermark-your-own-writing/ Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Anthropic's new Claude watermark tags AI-generated text and files. Here's what that means if you only used it to edit, format, or convert your own writing. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/automate-scheduled-content-emails-in-make-com/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/automate-scheduled-content-emails-in-make-com/ Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 A step-by-step Make.com scenario that turns a content calendar into scheduled, personalized emails, with idempotent send tracking built in. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-is-make-com/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-is-make-com/ Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Make.com (formerly Integromat) is a visual automation platform that connects apps without code. Here's how it works and how it compares to n8n. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/turn-text-files-into-a-vector-database-in-n8n/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/turn-text-files-into-a-vector-database-in-n8n/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 A step-by-step n8n build that turns raw text files into a searchable vector database: chunking, embeddings, checkpoints, and verified writes. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/instructional-designer-vs-technical-trainer/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/instructional-designer-vs-technical-trainer/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 An instructional designer builds the curriculum. A technical trainer delivers it. Here's the real difference, and what it looks like when one person does both. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-is-a-vector-database/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-is-a-vector-database/ Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 A vector database stores your writing as searchable embeddings, so AI can pull real examples of your voice instead of guessing at your style. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/claude-cowork-vs-n8n-whats-the-difference/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/claude-cowork-vs-n8n-whats-the-difference/ Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Claude Cowork added scheduled tasks that run in the cloud, and now people are asking if it replaces n8n. Here's what each one is built to do. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/ai-vs-generative-ai-whats-the-difference/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/ai-vs-generative-ai-whats-the-difference/ Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Much of the pushback against 'AI,' especially from artists, is pointed at generative AI. Here's the difference between the two, with real examples and why the concern is fair. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/the-performance-of-positivity-on-linkedin/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/the-performance-of-positivity-on-linkedin/ Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Somebody gets laid off, and three paragraphs of gratitude go up before anyone admits it just sucks. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/the-fake-stuff-used-to-look-fake/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/the-fake-stuff-used-to-look-fake/ Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 The National Enquirer told you it was lying before you read a word. Nothing does that anymore, and that's the real problem. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/blooms-taxonomy-explained-for-the-workplace/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/blooms-taxonomy-explained-for-the-workplace/ Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Bloom's Taxonomy sorts learning into six levels of thinking, from remembering to creating. Here's the original 1956 version, the 2001 revision, and how it... https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/addie-model-explained-for-the-workplace/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/addie-model-explained-for-the-workplace/ Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 ADDIE is the five-step model behind most workplace training: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation. Here's how it applies to an AI... https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/sam-successive-approximation-model-explained-for-the-workplace/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/sam-successive-approximation-model-explained-for-the-workplace/ Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 SAM replaces ADDIE's five linear steps with three fast, repeating cycles. Here's how the Successive Approximation Model applies to AI training. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/gagnes-nine-events-of-instruction-explained-for-the-workplace/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/gagnes-nine-events-of-instruction-explained-for-the-workplace/ Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Robert Gagné's Nine Events of Instruction is a nine-step sequence for building one lesson, from gaining attention to retention. Here's how it fits AI... https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/universal-design-for-learning-udl-explained-for-the-workplace/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/universal-design-for-learning-udl-explained-for-the-workplace/ Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 UDL is a framework for building training that works for different learners from the start: multiple ways to engage, take in content, and show what they know. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/where-to-find-claude-skills-and-mcps/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/where-to-find-claude-skills-and-mcps/ Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 You don't have to build from scratch. Here are the directories where you can find skills and MCPs to install, customize, and learn from. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-are-mcps-for-non-developers/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-are-mcps-for-non-developers/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 An MCP lets Claude connect to your apps and data, like Google Drive or Slack, so you stop copy-pasting. Here's what MCPs are and how to add one. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-is-kimi-k3/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-is-kimi-k3/ Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Kimi K3 is Moonshot AI's new 2.8-trillion-parameter model, and on some benchmarks it already beats GPT-5.5 and Claude Opus 4.8. Here's what it is. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/gemini-models-explained-which-one-to-use/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/gemini-models-explained-which-one-to-use/ Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Gemini's app runs on 3.6 Flash for free users and 3.1 Pro on paid plans, with 3.5 Pro still rolling out. Here's what each model does and which to pi... https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/how-i-actually-use-chatgpt-claude-and-gemini/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/how-i-actually-use-chatgpt-claude-and-gemini/ Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini aren't interchangeable. Here's how I split the work between them, and why Gemini barely makes the cut. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/chatgpt-models-explained-which-one-to-use/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/chatgpt-models-explained-which-one-to-use/ Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 ChatGPT's lineup runs on GPT-5.5 and the new GPT-5.6 family: Sol, Terra, and Luna. Here's what each model does and which one to use. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/claude-models-explained-which-one-to-use/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/claude-models-explained-which-one-to-use/ Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Claude's model picker has four options: Sonnet 5, Opus 5, Fable 5, and Haiku 4.5. Here's what each one is built for and which one to pick. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/claude-for-education-nonprofits-and-more/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/claude-for-education-nonprofits-and-more/ Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Anthropic runs separate programs for schools, nonprofits, government, and finance, each with its own pricing and eligibility rules. Here's what each one covers. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/set-up-claude-cowork-a-beginners-guide/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/set-up-claude-cowork-a-beginners-guide/ Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 New to Claude Cowork? Here's how to install it, choose a permission mode, and get your first project running from a folder on your computer. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/build-a-website-with-claude-cowork/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/build-a-website-with-claude-cowork/ Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Claude Cowork can build, secure, and help get a website ranked through plain-language prompts. Here's the real process, and what it costs to run it this way. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/how-to-write-a-claude-md-file/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/how-to-write-a-claude-md-file/ Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 CLAUDE.md isn't just for code. Here's how to structure one for a content project, a client business, or a research file, with real examples for each. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-are-claude-skills/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-are-claude-skills/ Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Claude Skills are folders of instructions Claude pulls up for a specific job, from formatting Excel files to writing in your voice. Here's how they work. https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-is-a-sitemap-xml-file/ https://itechnicallykan.com/blog/posts/what-is-a-sitemap-xml-file/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 A sitemap.xml file lists every page you want crawled. Here's how to build one, submit it to Google, and why AI crawlers benefit from the same clean list.