This summer, a group of elementary teachers from Wakulla, Gulf and Santa Rosa counties participated in a one-of-a-kind professional learning course offered by Florida State University’s InSPIRE initiative, part of a $98M grant from Triumph Gulf Coast. The course, titled Engaging Elementary Students Using AI-Powered Storytelling, taught teachers how to use artificial intelligence (AI) and prompt engineering to create and enhance stories and informational texts with an aerospace theme for their students. The course covered the fundamentals of natural language processing and machine learning, the ethical and social implications of AI, and the integration of literacy and STEM best practices.
The course was led by a team of experts from FSU’s Learning Systems Institute (LSI), who have extensive experience in developing and delivering STEM education programs and resources. The teachers interacted with guest speakers from Microsoft, GE Vernova, Lockheed Martin, and visited the FSU High-Performance Materials Institute and Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion. They learned about the latest innovations and applications of AI and aerospace technology, and how they can “InSPIRE” their students to explore potential careers in these fields.
Each teacher earned an industry certification in Microsoft Office and a 35-hour AI Educator professional learning certificate and badge from Microsoft and FSU. They also gained access to curriculum and resources designed for use with students on exploring AI foundations and aerospace innovations on CPALMS.
FSU has made a monumental investment to establish the Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education (InSPIRE) in Northwest Florida to spark the region’s research and development landscape in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. This effort is in partnership with industry leaders in these fields, local governments, educational institutions, and with funding from Triumph.
The institute will enhance FSU’s capacity to conduct both secure and open research for aerospace and defense industries and boost local economic growth through high-paying jobs and educational opportunities.
A significant component of InSPIRE is its educational outreach program led by Learning Systems Institute which aims to increase STEM knowledge and industry certifications in the region. The initiative will launch new workforce training and education programs with a focus on aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors. These programs are designed to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to InSPIRE their students to be ready for high-demand jobs in these growing industries, ensuring a lasting impact on the community’s economic and educational landscape.