According to a 2023 survey conducted by Salesforce, 65% of Millennials or Gen Zers are using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. With its increased usage in virtually every sector, particularly education, Professor Aman Yadav and Assistant Professor Michael Lachney will equip future K-12 educators with the necessary knowledge and tools through a nearly $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Beginning in 2024, Yadav and Lachney will develop and pilot a curriculum with undergraduate students in Michigan State University’s Teacher Preparation Program that examines their knowledge, attitudes and feelings toward generative AI. The curriculum aims to enlighten future educators not only about how AI can enhance their careers but also to educate them about AI’s limitations and risks.
“The one thing we wanted to develop for the teacher candidates is understanding AI’s advantages and limitations, so they have that critical perspective,” said Yadav. “We also want them to understand how these tools actually work.”
Yadav described a portion of the curriculum as “getting under the hood” of large language models to strengthen understanding of generative AI and how it operates. Ironically, this will be accomplished through unplugged activities that do not utilize computing devices. Discussing probability theory will be included in the activities.
The two hope future educators who participate in the study can use their newly acquired knowledge beyond the classroom. “Hopefully, the students can leverage their understanding and skills they develop to participate in decision-making about how technology is designed and used in their future roles,” said Yadav.
The curriculum will undergo initial testing with a select group of students during the upcoming spring semester, followed by revisions based on the insights gained, with full implementation scheduled for the fall 2024 semester.