Research Insights
GenAI Empowered National Initiative for Upholding STEM+C Education (GENIUS)
The development of a competent science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computing (STEM+C) workforce in the era of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is crucial for the nation’s economic growth, security, and global competitiveness. To achieve this goal, initiatives that combine a robust understanding of core STEM concepts with competence in computational thinking (CT) and AI are needed. With this goal in mind, the National Center on Generative AI for Uplifting STEM+C Education (GENIUS Center) will integrate generative AI with the teaching and learning of science and engineering practices through a GenAI learning agent named GenAgent, that will serve as a mentor, learning buddy, collaborative learning agent, and teacher assistant to promote six key middle school science and engineering practices (SEPs).
The GENIUS Center will (1) conduct exploratory studies to examine how generative AI is currently used in classrooms to improve teaching and learning outcomes, (2) informed by the exploratory studies, the Center will develop, test, and refine the GenAgent system in science classrooms, and (3) conduct a pilot study to assess the promise of GenAgent for improving learners’ education outcomes. In addition, the GENIUS Center will provide national leadership and outreach activities on the responsible use of GenAI to improve learner outcomes.
Funder: U.S. Department of Education
Amount: $10,000,000
PI: Xiaoming Zhai, Mary Frances Early College of Education