New series offers collaborative platform to better understand AI in education

The Graduate School of Education is launching the AI + Education Learning Community Series, a new effort to address and navigate artificial intelligence (AI) in education.

In partnership with UB’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and Center for Information Integrity, as well as the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education at UB, the series aims to create a collaborative platform for professionals in K-12 and higher education to better understand AI in education.

Together, educational researchers, learning scientists, AI experts, K-12 educators, and leaders and practitioners in related fields will explore the vast potential AI holds for personalizing learning and optimizing educational outcomes while addressing potential ethical and equity concerns.

Scheduled to take place every fourth Tuesday of the month from 4-5 p.m. via Zoom, the series kicks off on Jan. 23 with “Introduction to AI and Its Use in Educational Settings.” (register here). Over the subsequent months, a diverse array of topics will be covered, including leveraging machine learning for personalized education, ethical considerations of AI in education, data privacy and security, mental health and well-being innovations, learner engagement and much more.

“We are thrilled to provide a platform where education professionals can enhance their understanding of AI’s implications in educational settings,” says Suzanne Rosenblith, professor and dean of the Graduate School of Education. “This series will serve as a sandbox for practitioners and researchers, enabling them to collaborate to better understand the promises and affordances of AI in educational settings.”

The AI + Education Learning Community Series is structured to cater to the multifaceted needs of educators, researchers and practitioners. It aims to not only deepen understanding of AI’s role in education, but also foster connections with potential collaborators and community partners.

“We envision this series as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration,” adds X. Christine Wang, professor and associate dean for research in the GSE. “By addressing critical topics such as educational equity, adaptive learning experiences and immersive technologies, we aim to empower educators and students with the knowledge and tools necessary for the evolving landscape of education.”

The AI + Education Learning Community Series is open to all interested professionals in the education sector and related fields. Registration details and the full schedule of sessions can be found on the Graduate School of Education’s website.

The schedule:

• Jan. 23: “Introduction to AI and Its Use in Educational Settings.”
• Feb. 27: “Leveraging Machine Learning for Personalized Education/Special Needs.”
• March 26: “Navigating Ethical Implications of AI in Education.”
• April 23: “Ensuring Data Privacy and Security.”
• May 28: “Enhancing Mental Health and Well-being through AI Innovations.”
• June 25: “Improving Learner Engagement: AI and Humanization.”
• July 23: “Synergizing AI with Teaching Strategies for Classroom Excellence.”
• Aug. 27: “AI in Assessment: Crafting Adaptive Learning Experiences.”
• Sept. 24: “Immersive Learning with VR and AR Technologies.”
• Oct. 22: “Bridging Formal and Informal Learning via AI.”
• Nov. 19: “Promoting Educational Equity and Accessibility via AI.”
• Dec. 17: “AI Literacies for K-12 Students and Teachers.”

For more information, contact Amber M. Winters.