Artificial intelligence (AI) is ushering in a transformative era for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, with its potential described as groundbreaking in a new book co-edited by University Distinguished Professor Joseph Krajcik and his colleague, Professor Xiaoming Zhai from the University of Georgia.
Published in October 2024 by Oxford University Press, “Uses of Artificial Intelligence in STEM Education” explores AI’s potential in test grading, assessments and personalized instruction in STEM. The book also addresses ethical considerations such as bias and equitable access.
“AI has truly amazing potential to help us personalize instruction at the classroom, group and individual levels,” said Krajcik, who serves as director of the CREATE for STEM Institute and is the Lappan-Phillips Professor of Science Education. “It has transformative power if we use it correctly.”
The book is separated into four main themes, each exploring AI’s role in different facets of STEM education for both teachers and students to use:
- Synthesizing STEM assessment – The educational process and assessment of students’ knowledge in STEM is complex enough. Part one explores how AI can automate complex tasks like test grading and personalized learning, offering new insights into student reasoning and learning trajectories.
- Streamlining theory to practice – The book features chapters on how AI helps close the gap between theory and practice by transforming scientific inquiry, problem-solving and personalized learning. The section also explores automated feedback, individualized assessment and support for students.
- Impacts on instruction and professional development – New technologies can transform instructional strategies. This section of the book offers educators fresh frameworks, tools and methods to integrate into their classrooms. The chapters explore how these tools can aid teaching decisions, provide individualized feedback and automate assessments. They also address challenges like scalability, bias and ethical concerns.
- Ensuring ethics – This section unpacks the intricate challenges of implementing AI in a way that is fair, inclusive and ethically sound. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical strategies, the chapters tackle the pressing issues of bias, power dynamics and meeting the diverse needs of all learners.
Collaborative origins
The book’s concept was born out of a 2022 conference that brought together scholars worldwide to discuss the use of various forms of AI in STEM education. This ultimately led Krajcik and Zhai to compile the presentations and research into a comprehensive volume.
Other Spartans featured in various chapters of the book include:
- Ph.D. student Selin Akgün – Curriculum, Instruction and Teacher Education program
- Ph.D student Lydia Bradford – Measurement and Quantitative Methods program
- Assistant Professor Kevin Haudek – College of Natural Science Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Assistant Professor Peng He – Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education
- Associate Professor Namsoo Shin – Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education
- Assistant Professor Megan Shiroda – College of Natural Science Department of Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology
Krajcik emphasized the importance of teachers and how their role will never be replaced. “The education system will never take the teacher away,” he said. “The teacher will always have a central place in teaching and learning, making instructional decisions and giving feedback. AI can serve as a partner to help teachers do their work!”