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Please see individual pages for upcoming WORKSHOPS & EVENTS for format (in-person or virtual). If it is unsafe and/or unallowable to host in-person trainings, we will transition to virtual workshops. Best browser to register: CHROME.

WeTeach_AI for Middle School

WeTeach_AI_Middle School: Equipping educators with AI expertise and resources. Our goal is to educate, empower, and motivate educators to promote AI literacy and creativity in their classrooms.

"AI will be to the 21st century what electricity was to the 20th century. The educational possibilities are unimaginable and we are just beginning to see how this technology will revolutionize education." - ISTE Vice President Kecia Ray

APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON APRIL 15, 2024

WeTeach_AI Middle School Hub

The WeTeach_AI Middle School Hub is an innovative initiative focused on enriching Artificial Intelligence (AI) education in Texas middle schools. By participating in our program, educators gain invaluable insights into AI concepts, including self-driving cars, language models and machine learning. We explore AI fundamentals and guide students in constructing AI simulations using platforms like Calypso, fostering essential skills in creative problem-solving and imaginative design.

Beyond the basics, our initiative equips educators with comprehensive lesson plans. Students learn to train visual classifiers, allowing computers to identify patterns and objects in images or videos. They delve into the boundless potential of AI models, critically assessing accuracy and limitations. Educators also explore neural networks, the fundamental components of AI, enhancing their understanding of AI’s functionalities and diverse applications. This groundwork prepares a more informed and innovative generation of AI users and developers.

However, our engagement with AI doesn't stop at technical know-how; it transcends into crucial ethical and societal discourse. In today's world, automated decision-making systems are progressively integrated into various sectors, elevating the importance for students to grasp the ramifications of such systems. This includes issues concerning privacy, bias, and fairness, which demand thorough examination. By actively addressing these dilemmas, students will cultivate critical thinking skills and develop the acumen to navigate intricate ethical questions, thereby shaping them into responsible and ethical AI practitioners, poised to steer the future of technology responsibly.

 

To participate in the WeTeach_AI Middle School Hub program, follow these steps:

  1. Apply here. Reach out to our program coordinator, Dr. Sheryl Roehl at sroehl@tacc.utexas.edu with any questions.
  2. Attend Workshops and Training: The 20 selected participants will attend workshops and training sessions where we delve into AI concepts, explore self-driving cars, language models, and machine learning and discuss AI fundamentals. These sessions equip you with the knowledge needed to guide students effectively.  

    Optional Session:
    June 11-12, 2024      WeTeach_CS Summit in Fort Worth (lodging, parking, registration will be provided; transportation will be reimbursed.)  Here is the link for more information on the Summit:   https://utakeit.tacc.utexas.edu/weteach_cs-summit-2024/

    Mandatory:
    A 5-day summer institute on July 8-12, 2024, in Austin, Texas (transportation and lodging costs will be reimbursed for participants).  There will be 4 additional (virtual) training days on Saturday during the school year (dates TBD by participants).

    $750 Stipend for Professional Development Attendance and Completion  

  3. Engage with Lesson Plans: Utilize our comprehensive lesson plans (Living and working with Artificial Intelligence) to teach students about AI. These plans cover topics like training visual classifiers and understanding neural networks. These provide a structured approach to AI education. The design will utilize the “Five Big Ideas in AI” framework, based on the AI4K12.org national guidelines for teaching AI in K-12. The curriculum will provide students with an opportunity to explore how AI works, how it is designed, and how it impacts people and communities. In addition, students will learn about the wide range of professions in which people design and use AI in their daily work. The middle school lessons and teacher PD have been collaboratively designed by the chair and co-chair, respectively, of AI4K12.org.
  4. Foster Ethical Discussions: Engage in conversations about AI ethics and societal implications. We believe that understanding the ethical dimensions of AI is crucial for responsible development and usage.
  5. Who should apply:
    1. Currently teaching at a Texas middle school
    2. Interested in learning about AI
    3. Willing to teach a short AI module from the training to their students
    4. Learns and adapts quickly

Remember, our program aims to empower educators like you to inspire the next generation of AI enthusiasts and innovators! 

Join us and become an AI Champion in the state of Texas.