The University of Washington College of Education’s program using AI and chatbots to assist K-12 teachers was selected as a national center for research and development in generative artificial intelligence as a teaching tool. The U.S. Department of Education established four centers as part of the Using Generative Artificial Intelligence to Augment Teaching and Learning in Classrooms (U-GAIN) initiative, with the UW receiving a $10 million grant to create the AmplifyGAIN center. The center will focus on the chatbot assistant Colleague AI released by UW researchers earlier this year, which helps educators with lesson planning, initially in math and expanding to include science instruction.
The grant for the AmplifyGAIN center will support the development of new features for Colleague AI, a pilot study to assess its impact on teacher productivity and student outcomes, training for teachers and administrators on its use, and other initiatives. The center will be housed within the existing AmplifyLearn.AI center at the college, which has also received funding from the National Science Foundation for improvements to Colleague AI and data science training for professionals. This new national center is unique in its collaboration between higher education, private companies, K-12 school systems, and a think tank in advancing AI research, product development, and implementation in teaching and learning.
Min Sun, director of Artificial Intelligence for Education in the UW College of Education, leads the Colleague project and emphasized its goal of enhancing the nation’s capacity in AI research and product implementation in education. Approximately 1,300 teachers and administrators are already using Colleague AI, and the UW is working with six Washington school districts to study the tool’s impact. The collaboration between multiple sectors in developing and implementing AI tools for teaching and learning is seen as a significant step towards advancing educational technology and improving outcomes for students and educators.
The addition of the AmplifyGAIN center to the existing efforts at the UW College of Education reflects the growing importance of incorporating AI into educational practices and the potential benefits it can bring to teachers and students. The expansion of Colleague AI to include science instruction highlights the versatility of AI tools in supporting a variety of subject areas and educational needs. By focusing on developing new product features, conducting pilot studies, and providing training for users, the center aims to further enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of AI technology for educators. This comprehensive approach aligns with the broader goal of utilizing AI to augment teaching and learning experiences in classrooms across the country.
As one of the few national centers dedicated to research and development in AI for education, the AmplifyGAIN center at the UW College of Education is positioned to make significant contributions to the field. The collaboration between universities, private companies, K-12 schools, and a think tank demonstrates a collective effort to advance AI research and implementation in education. By working closely with teachers and administrators to understand how AI tools like Colleague AI can support their work, the center aims to improve teacher productivity, student outcomes, and overall educational experiences. This interdisciplinary approach is critical in harnessing the full potential of AI technology in education and ensuring it is effectively utilized to benefit all stakeholders.
Overall, the establishment of the AmplifyGAIN center at the UW College of Education represents a significant investment in the future of AI technology in educational settings. With a focus on developing innovative tools like Colleague AI, conducting rigorous research studies, and providing training and support for educators, the center is poised to make a lasting impact on teaching and learning practices. By leveraging the expertise of multiple stakeholders and fostering collaboration across sectors, the center is well-positioned to advance the field of AI in education and drive meaningful improvements in student achievement and teacher effectiveness.
