I-Corps: Digital Platform for Informal Learning Experiences to Encourage Curiosity in STEM Career Paths

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte, Charlotte NC

Investigators

Abstract

The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project is the development of a digital platform that transforms the way young children perceive and engage in STEM career exploration. Factors promoting STEM education, particularly for under-represented groups, have not been incorporated into personalized learning plans. This technology will use artificial intelligence to develop customized educational plans. This I-Corps project is based on the development of the development and evaluation of a new approach to generate recommendations by combining a model of surprise with a model of user preference to deliver curiosity-inspiring recommendations. The proposed technology is a digital platform that empowers students to pursue STEM learning and careers. This project will incorporate artificial intelligence and informal learning practices to recommend learning modules on a personalized basis. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.