Associate Professor of Science Education Meredith Kier awarded $321,873 from NSF with Janice Zhang (PI; W&M computer science)
Summary
Associate Professor Meredith Kier is providing education support as senior personnel with Janice Zhang (PI; W&M computer science) on a collaborative research project awarded to William & Mary and George Mason University.
Full Description
Robert D. and Patricia Lee Pavey Family Co-Chair in Instructional Technology and Associate Professor of Science Education Meredith Kier is providing education support as senior personnel on a new National Science Foundation-funded collaborative research project awarded to William & Mary and George Mason University.
Led by Assistant Professor Janice Zhang in the Department of Computer Science, the project — Fostering Mathematical Modeling Competencies via Collaborative Learning in Large Language Model-Simulated Virtual Classrooms — brings together researchers from both universities to explore how middle school students develop mathematical thinking with their peers and with AI-powered virtual peer buddies. As part of the project’s outreach, William & Mary will host approximately 25 local middle school students on campus this summer for an immersive, hands-on learning experience including opportunities to interact with virtually-simulated AI peer buddies.