University of Nevada, Reno leads $2.7M project to boost K–12 AI education

The College of Education and Human Development at the University of Nevada, Reno is playing a key role in a new four-year, $2.7 million federal project aimed at strengthening artificial intelligence and computer science education across K–12 schools in Nevada.

University of Nevada, Reno leads $2.7M project to boost K–12 AI education

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, the initiative is led by the Desert Research Institute. The University of Nevada, Reno has received a subgrant of $775,507 to support teacher preparation and professional training.

The project focuses on helping both preservice and in-service teachers develop the skills needed to teach computer science and artificial intelligence in K–12 classrooms.

The university’s main principal investigator is Dr. Mandi Collins, working through the Raggio Center for STEM Education within the College of Education and Human Development. The project team also includes Dr. McKenna Lane and Dr. Megan Beckam as co-investigators.

As part of the initiative, the College will lead the development and support of intern and mentor networks. Over four years, the project will involve 30 undergraduate preservice teachers and 60 current K–12 teachers from the Washoe County School District.

The undergraduate interns will complete a one-year residency program that includes around 300 hours of classroom-based experience. During this time, they will work closely with experienced mentor teachers to support the teaching and assessment of AI and computer science lessons. Both preservice and in-service teachers will also take part in quarterly training sessions designed to strengthen their teaching knowledge and practical skills.

In addition, the College will develop a new online certificate program titled “Foundations of K–12 Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.” The program will include three online courses required for the K–12 Computer Science Endorsement in Nevada.

This new certificate aims to provide consistent access to required coursework for both future and current teachers. By doing so, the university hopes to address gaps in teacher preparation and support the long-term expansion of high-quality computer science and AI education throughout the state.

Source: Nevada Today

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