Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Showcased at Macmillan Learning’s Fifth Annual Executive STEM Summit
New York, NY (PRWEB) October 06, 2017 -- Macmillan Learning, a premier educational solutions company, today launched their fifth annual Executive STEM Summit in partnership with Scientific American. The two-day event brought together leaders from education, business, technology, policy and research communities to debate the most critical issues facing STEM education.
The robust line-up of speakers from Chevron, Microsoft, XPRIZE, Project Lead The Way, Volley.com, Georgia Institute of Technology and University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Center of Knowledge and more spoke to the role of technology in all levels of education. While topics ranging from digital engagement, diversity, technology, and policy, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education quickly became a focus.
“There is so much discussion in education circles on what new ideas or methods may have an impact,” said Macmillan Learning General Manager Susan Winslow. “AI for education has arrived and it will definitely impact the kind of products and services we will offer. In STEM, there are questions as to how Artificial Intelligence might enhance instruction, foster greater inclusivity and retention, and impact personal learning paths, as well as address how we view the nature of data gathered from students. We all need to be involved in these discussions.”
“AI is a complex and rapidly-advancing science, but it is not a magic box. It deserves to be understood,” said Volley.com CTO Carson Kahn. “Education stakeholders must come together to form a common language so we can readily understand, innovate, and implement AI in education.”
Attendees debated the role digital tools have in teaching today’s students in providing greater access and exposure to content and ideas, but noted that STEM courses specifically could be greatly enhanced by the kind of support AI would offer. Exploring the kinds of technological changes available in other industries becomes a critical mandate for learning solution providers.
“We simply cannot continue to rely only on the former methods of learning,” said Ms. Winslow. “The kinds of technology available mixed with our greater understanding of how, why, and where students learn best demand that we investigate and experiment with new learning technologies.”
“My research is driven by the hope that AI can help make education accessible to all, providing new opportunities for quality learning across the world,” said Ashok Goel, Professor of Computer Science and Cognitive Science in the School of Interactive Computing at Georgia Institute of Technology.
“Where AI for education has failed in the past, there have now been groundbreaking advances in using machine learning to improve human learning,” said Mr. Kahn. “We at last have the technology to realize true personalization and data-driven pedagogy. Engagement and understanding will come much more quickly to the learners of tomorrow.”
For more information on the event and to see livestream coverage, discussions, and event photos, go to community.macmillan.com/community/stemsummit.
About Macmillan Learning:
Macmillan Learning improves lives through learning. Our legacy of excellence in education informs our approach to developing world-class content with pioneering, interactive tools. Through deep partnership with the world’s best researchers, educators, administrators, and developers, we facilitate teaching and learning opportunities that spark student engagement and improve outcomes. We provide educators with tailored solutions designed to inspire curiosity and measure progress. Our commitment to teaching and discovery upholds our mission to improve lives through learning. Macmillan Learning includes both academic and institutional divisions. To learn more, please visit http://www.macmillanlearning.com or see us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN or join our Macmillan Community
Kate Geraghty, Macmillan Learning, http://www.macmillanlearning.com, +1 4126546004, [email protected]
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