SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University (NMSU), in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Boston College, has secured a $2.5 million award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This funding is aimed at developing age-appropriate artificial intelligence (AI) education materials for K-12 students.

Over the next three years, these institutions will work together to create and test learning activities and assessments designed to enhance students' understanding of AI concepts. The initiative, named Learning Trajectories for AI (LTs4AI), is part of NSF's Discover Research in K-12 Learning program. Enrico Pontelli, dean of NMSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, along with Irene Lee, the principal investigator and research professor at NMSU, will lead this project. Amanda Peel from NMSU’s School of Teacher Preparation will also play a significant role.

"Our overall goal is to significantly enhance the learning and teaching of AI so students can become critical consumers aware of how AI was created and how it works," stated Lee. She emphasized that this would help them become informed citizens who can discuss privacy issues related to AI.

Pontelli highlighted the importance of focusing on underserved areas in New Mexico: "We will provide opportunities to teachers to provide their students with unique skills to make them competitive in their future endeavors."

The LTs4AI project began on October 1st and involves partnerships with Las Cruces Public Schools, NMSU’s STEM Outreach Center in New Mexico, as well as organizations like Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation and Waltham Public Schools in Massachusetts. These partners are expected to assist with student recruitment for studies as well as teacher training on AI.

"Learning trajectories are developmental paths that capture how students learn new concepts," explained Lee. The team aims to develop pathways for key AI concepts through pilot-tested activities based on these trajectories.

In addition to its educational goals, the program seeks long-term contributions toward building a diverse workforce capable of integrating seamlessly with AI tools. Dissemination efforts include an awareness campaign targeting educators and researchers through various platforms such as websites containing lesson plans and assessment tools.