Emerging Tech (Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Blockchain) | STELAR

Development of a machine-learning-driven digital teaching assistant that utilises student engagement data to improve access to and success in K-12 STEM education

Publications

Student engagement is a key predictor of academic achievement and is closely linked to career awareness, interest, and preparedness. Measuring student engagement during STEM learning is challenging for teachers, given the dynamic and ever-changing nature of these learning environments. Even when engagement data can be collected, leveraging this information to refine and personalise instruction requires significant experience and time. To address this, we are developing Scoutlier EngagEd, a digital teaching assistant that embeds in existing Learning Management Systems (LMS) to automatically and

Quantum information science and technology professional learning for secondary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teachers

Publications

There is a growing need in the United States for a workforce trained in quantum information science and technology (QIST), a disciplinary topic that is rarely addressed in precollege science, mathematics, and computer science curricula. University quantum physics and physics education researchers designed and initiated a 4-week, 12-h QIST professional development workshop for 𝑁=5⁢1 preservice and in-service secondary school science, mathematics, and computer science educators. A STEM integration framework guided the workshop structure, which incorporated a situated cognition model for learning

A Semiconductor Curriculum and Learning Framework for High-Schoolers Using Artificial Intelligence, Game Modules, and Hands-on Experiences

2024 - 2028

Semiconductors are essential components of electronic devices, enabling advances in all important applications and systems such as communication, healthcare, and national security. In order to sustain the U.S.’s global competitiveness in the semiconductor industry, there is a growing demand for

CASCADE: Engaging Adolescents through Collaboration on Simulated STEM Career Scenarios and Mathematics Activities

Poster

We create and study virtual simulations of peer collaboration in STEM fields, designed for youth in informal learning environments. Practice with the simulations will help teens from underrepresented groups build collaborative skills and career interest in STEM fields, especially those that use mathematics and require strong teamwork.

AI4GA: Developing Artificial Intelligence Competencies, Career Awareness, and Interest in Georgia Middle School Teachers and Students

Poster

We are co-designing and piloting a 9-week AI elective for Georgia middle school students with 8 teachers. Our co-design process is scaffolding our ability to truly design curriculum collaboratively. Through this project we aim to understand the types of resources teachers need to confidently teach AI and how to scaffold student learning and create engaging AI learning experiences.

CS Frontiers: Beyond CS Principles: Engaging Female High School Students in New Frontiers of Computing

Poster

Building on the foundations set by the AP Computer Science (CS) Principles course, this project seeks to dramatically expand access, especially for high school girls, to the most exciting and emerging frontiers of computing, such as distributed computation, the internet of things (IoT), cybersecurity, and machine learning, as well as other 21st century skills required to productively leverage computational methods and tools in virtually every profession.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence with Smart Engineering Tools and English Language Arts in Upper Elementary Education

Poster

We are developing a set of machine learning-powered components enabling elementary students to create interactive AI-enabled solutions to problems presented in fictional stories during transdisciplinary activities at the intersection of AI, engineering, and literacy.

Peering a Generation into the Future: NSF's Young Scholars Program (YSP) and the nation’s STEM workforce

Poster

This project is a multiyear study of the impact of an enrichment program that the US National Science Foundation (NSF) managed in the 1990s. The Young Scholars Program (YSP) involved around 18,000 7th–12th grade students and 600 separate grants between 1989 and 1996. The purpose of YSP was to introduce high-achieving middle and secondary school students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields to encourage their entry into those fields and thus increase the size and quality of the nation’s STEM workforce.

Narrative Modeling with StoryQ: Integrating Mathematics, Language Arts, and Computing to Create Pathways to Artificial Intelligence Careers

Poster

The future workforce is being drastically reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The advancement in AI theories, algorithms and practices has not only created great demands for AI scientists, engineers, technicians and entrepreneurs but also reformulated the nature of work in almost all industries. Importantly today's students must gain a fundamental understanding of AI in order to be prepared to enter the workforce of the future.

A Learning Ecosystem for Teaching High School Students Machine Learning Concepts and Data Science Skills in Healthcare and Medicine

Poster

We will develop a unique community-based ecosystem for teaching high school students about how the intersection between rapidly developing technologies such as data science and machine learning impact critical healthcare decisions. Students will learn and apply technological skills valued for high-paying jobs within our workforce and proving the importance of diversity.

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