UW–Madison’s Mitchell Nathan was appointed to serve on a National Science Foundation (NSF) steering committee focused on shaping the future of mathematics learning and education.
Titled the Collaboratory to Advance Math Education and Learning (CAMEL), the committee met for two days in late July for a scoping workshop to identify major research questions and directions focused on how the innovative use of data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and other technologies could be potentially transformative in advancing K-12 math learning and education.
The workshop explored needs, opportunities, and challenges relevant to building a mathematics research and education data-sharing ecosystem prioritizing equitable access and support, so that underserved and underrepresented groups benefit from cutting-edge data science and AI advances. Discussions also informed priorities for human capacity building and the necessary infrastructure for Science of Learning (neuroscience; social, behavioral and cognitive sciences; computer science; engineering and education) research and education practitioner communities.
Nathan, the Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor in Learning Sciences in the School of Education’s Department of Educational Psychology, is also a member of the smaller committee generating a formal report from the workshop that summarizes the workshop findings and recommendations.
Insights from this workshop will inform future funding opportunities to be supported by NSF in partnership with philanthropic organizations.