Symposium Examines Learning Sciences, Education, AI
The symposium brings together computer scientists and learning scientists to discuss AI.
An upcoming Northwestern University symposium will examine the influence of artificial intelligence on teachers, students and learning environments.
Hosted by Northwestern’s Center for Computer Science and Learning Sciences, the daylong event on May 8 at the Hilton Orrington in Evanston features educators, learning scientists, computer scientists, writers and other experts with an interest in education and the learning process.
Learning sciences is an interdisciplinary field that views learning as complex, nuanced and difficult to measure. It requires relationships, collaboration and community, and it is influenced by context.
By contrast, conversations around AI and education often center on the idea that learning should be quantified, personalized and efficient, said Eleanor O’Rourke, associate professor of learning sciences and computer science at Northwestern and chair of the symposium organizing committee.
“We’ve organized this gathering to ask, what is the role of AI in education given this nuanced perspective on how learning works?” she said.
Sessions will cover learning sciences and AI, writing and literacy in education, ethics, fairness and justice, K-12 schools and classrooms, and AI literacy.
Featured speakers include:
- Mitchel Resnick, the LEGO Papert Professor of Learning Research at the MIT Media Lab. Resnick’s Lifelong Kindergarten research group developed the Scratch programming software and online community, the world’s leading coding platform for kids, and OctoStudio, a mobile coding app for young people.
- John Warner, a writer, editor, consultant and columnist at Inside Higher Ed, and author of More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI. With two decades of college teaching experience, Warner is a national voice on issues of faculty labor, institutional values and writing pedagogy.
- Ezekiel Dixon-Román, professor of critical race, media and educational studies and director of the Edmund W. Gordon Institute for Advanced Study at Columbia University’s Teachers College.
- Dan Meyer, vice president of user growth for Amplify. A former public high school math teacher and math education researcher, Meyer currently works at the intersection of technology and curriculum.
- Shuchi Grover, director of AI and education research for Looking Glass Ventures. Grover is a learning scientist and researcher in computer science, AI, cybersecurity and STEAM education. Her research spans the U.S., Europe and Asia and focuses on computational thinking, AI, Computer Science and STEAM learning in PK-14 education.
In addition to O’Rourke, the event is organized by Northwestern's Michael Horn, professor of computer science and professor of learning sciences; Chris Riesbeck, associate professor of computer science; Bruce Sherin, professor of learning sciences; and Uri Wilensky, the Lorraine H. Morton Professor of Learning Sciences and Computer Science.
The event is sponsored by the Office of the Provost, the McCormick School of Engineering, the School of Education and Social Policy, the Office for Research and the Cognitive Science Program.
About the Center for Computer Science and Learning Sciences
The Northwestern Center for Computer Science and Learning Sciences, a collaboration between the McCormick School of Engineering and the School of Education and Social Policy, recognizes and expands Northwestern’s leadership at the intersection of computer science, education, cognitive science and engineering. Through academic, research and event programming, the center aims to develop the next generation of leaders in these fields and connect researchers and practitioners to create broad impact.