Team secures Microsoft help for AI in rural schools

Two Washington State University researchers have received a grant from a global Microsoft initiative to develop an AI roadmap for rural schools, building on input from educators, researchers and industry partners.

Tingting Li, an assistant professor in the College of Education, Sports and Human Sciences, was one of 17 senior fellows selected for the Microsoft AI Economic Institute, which supports efforts to ensure the benefits of AI are made available to all.

Li and fellow researcher Peng He, also an assistant professor at CESHS, will receive $82,500 to support their RAISE (Rural AI for Societal Equity) project, which builds on their previous efforts to help teachers and students in small towns make the most of fast-growing technology.

“We really want to see how our work can impact teachers’ teaching and student learning,” Li said. “How can we achieve the goal of using AI responsibly for education on a systematic level? How can we better…