SMRI Seminar: Spooner -- AI and mathematical modelling education

Kerri Spooner, Auckland University of Technology Thursday 30 July, 13:00 to 14:00 AEST
SMRI Seminar Room (Macleay A12 Room 301) 

Abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming an integral part of our daily
lives.  Within education, AI has the potential to provide new opportunities to support
teaching, learning and assessment across disciplines.  Within mathematics education, AI
tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot and other generative AI systems are increasingly being
used to generate explanations, solve problems, provide feedback, visualise concepts and
support mathematical reasoning.  These developments present both opportunities and
challenges for mathematics education, and in particular mathematical modelling
education, where students are expected to formulate, analyse, interpret and validate
models of authentic real-world situations.  This presentation explores AI primarily as a
technological tool that, given the right circumstances, has the potential to enhance the
teaching and learning of mathematical modelling.  

Drawing on emerging research and examples primarily within tertiary education, this
presentation examines practical ways in which AI can be integrated into mathematical
modelling pedagogy while maintaining authentic student engagement with the modelling
process.  Recommendations for educators seeking to incorporate AI responsibly into
modelling education will be discussed.  Opportunities and open research questions
concerning the role of AI as an innovative educational technology for mathematical
modelling will be presented.