New Project Aims to Use Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Teacher Training

Computer science professor Jacob Whitehill and his colleagues have received a $750,000, three-year grant from the National Science Foundation to develop the Automatic Classroom Observation Recognition Neural Network platform, or ACORN for short, which will combine machine learning, natural language processing, and elements of psychology and educational theory to deliver rapid feedback on teacher-student interactions. "I've always loved teaching – I really enjoy the dynamics between myself and my students," Mr. Whitehill said, adding that he's been particularly fascinated with finding a way to identify the characteristics of a positive exchange between instructor and pupil. Currently, teachers rely on one-on-one and group feedback, as well as some video-aided assessment, to evaluate those interactions. Mr. Whitehill believes ACORN could allow them to critique themselves not only much more frequently, but also without the pressure of a peer or supervisor being involved. "This kind of technology allows them to get objective feedback on their own teaching every day if they wanted to," he said.