Using AI to Build Better Thinkers | News

➡️ What’s Happening

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) STEM TRAIL Center Research Director Tracie Reding, Ph.D., has received a $400,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant for a project called INSIGHTS, which uses AI-powered learning analytics dashboards to improve higher-order thinking skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis.

The project, a collaboration between UNO and University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), provides real-time, adaptive feedback to both students and instructors, helping students develop critical cognitive skills needed in the modern workforce.

💡 Why it Matters

• INSIGHTS focuses on improving problem-solving, analytical thinking, and critical reasoning, with a special emphasis on first-generation and low-income students.

• Higher-order thinking skills are essential in a job market where 44% of workers’ skills are expected to be disrupted in the next five years, according to the Word Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs Report.

• This project positions the Omaha metro as a hub for STEM innovation and strengthens the pipeline for a skilled, adaptable workforce.

🧠 Think Big

• AI tools like INSIGHTS are paving the way for a more equitable and scalable approach to STEM education.

• The project has the potential to serve as a national model, offering institutions across the country a roadmap for integrating AI into teaching strategies.

🎤 What They’re Saying

• “INSIGHTS positions the UNO and Omaha community as leaders in advancing STEM education on a national scale. By equipping students with essential higher-order thinking skills, we’re not just thinking about immediate workforce needs, but the workforce needs of the future, empowering our workforce and uplifting our community. This project is a testament to how education can drive long-term economic growth and social impact,” Dr. Reding said.

• “This grant exemplifies the mission of the STEM TRAIL Center by merging innovation, research, and educational excellence to elevate human potential,” said Christopher Moore, Ph.D., director of the STEM TRAIL Center at UNO. By fostering critical thinking and workforce-ready skills, this project supports our goal of building both strong STEM employees and engaged citizens, advancing social mobility for students and long-term prosperity for the Omaha region,” STEM TRAIL Center Director Chris Moore, Ph.D., said.

⚡️ What’s Next

The research team will continue refining the AI learning dashboards and collecting data to scale the program, with a long-term vision of making it accessible to universities nationwide.