AI and Education Symposium

Abstract: Clinical Assistant Professor Nermeen Dashoush, PhD,  an expert in early childhood education and STEM learning, will present insights on the integration of emerging AI technologies in children’s media. The presentation will explore work fostering computational thinking skills in children, especially in informal learning settings, preparing them for an AI-intertwined future.

Bio: At Boston University, Dr. Dashoush teaches courses in Child Development, STEM for educators, and Educational Technology. She is the founder of numerous worldwide programs for children and has consistently aimed to bridge the gap in accessibility to quality education. Recognizing the powerful influence of technology and media in today’s educational landscape, she has created various children’s apps, digital educational tools, television series, and even public installations that cater to the developmental needs of young audiences. Her contributions to children’s media have earned her an Emmy nomination. As the Chief Academic Officer and founding educator at MarcoPolo Learning, an EdTech company, Dr. Dashoush has played a pivotal role in pioneering innovative educational solutions for the digital age. Furthermore, her expertise is recognized beyond the academic sphere as she serves as the lead advisor on an upcoming TV show for PBS, set to launch in February 2024.

Talk Title: Considerations for AI in the K-12 environment

Abstract: The introduction of AI brings great potential, risk, and concerns to K-12 education. How do we raise awareness of the benefits of generative AI to a K-12 environment without creating fear that students will cheat or fail to develop basic skills in favor of using AI?

Bio: Mr. Racine has served in the role of the Chief Information Officer of the Boston Public Schools for the past 10 years and previously worked as a 5th grade teacher within the district. He has led multiple technology transformation projects, including the switch to remote learning during the pandemic when the district went 1:1 and started teaching remotely in 24 hours.

Abstract: The problem we want to address is the misconception cascade – the way in which unresolved misconceptions undermine learning, and how they are difficult to detect and prioritize. Our solution is to discover a “misconception map” by creating link prediction models and applying them to our data of students’ responses to diagnostic questions. This map will help us direct learning and optimize interventions. We will show how we have used LLMs for content creation, tutor and teacher assistance and the challenges of direct-to-student usage.

Dr. Simon Woodhead, Co-founder and Head of Research, Eedi

Bio: Dr. Woodhead is an edtech entrepreneur and researcher with a track record of creating award-winning solutions that apply data science to education. He has secured more than £10M in research grants and established the Data Science in Education meetup to foster knowledge sharing in the edtech community.

Talk Title: AI in the Classroom

Abstract: Teaching involves an impossibly long list of cognitively and emotionally demanding tasks. Can AI finally help lighten the load? This talk will cover how AI can change the nature of lesson planning, teaching, and learning, enabling deeper connection and understanding. 

Maya Bialik, Author, Teacher and Founder of QuestionWell AI

Bio: Ms. Bialik is a middle school science teacher and founder of QuestionWell AI, an AI tool for teachers that writes questions based on a topic or reading. She is the author of AI and Education (2019) and Four-Dimensional Education (2015). She comes to the classroom with nearly a decade of experience in research and consulting, working with schools, districts, publishers, jurisdictions around the world.

Led by Naomi Caselli, Director AI and Education, Hariri Institute; Assistant Professor, Deaf Studies, Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Closing remarks