Collaborative Research: CyberTraining: Implementation: Medium: ACAI-Train: Scalable Instructor Training for Infusing AI and Advanced CI Concepts Into Early Core Computing Courses

NSF Award Search · 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $149,992 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI), large-scale data, connected devices, cloud and high-performance computing systems, that together form the nation's cyberinfrastructure, are central to national competitiveness, yet most computing students encounter them only in advanced elective courses. This project infuses aspects of AI, Big Data, and Parallel and Distributed Computing concepts and practices into three foundational computing courses. The first two form the usual introductory programming sequence, and third is the computer systems course that is often taken shortly after them. Thus, all computing majors, not only those pursuing upper-level elective courses, will develop critical skills for understanding and contributing to the modern computational ecosystem. The project addresses a persistent barrier to such curriculum modernization: many instructors need focused preparation, classroom-tested examples, and adaptable teaching materials before they can confidently introduce these topics in early courses. To overcome this bottleneck, the project develops courses and materials to train about 200 current and future instructors through three intensive in-person summer workshops, an additional six hybrid tutorials at major conferences, and complementary online workshops. Summer trainees adapt and implement the course exemplars at their own institutions and contribute evaluation data, classroom-tested refinement and local adaptation, enabling broader adoption. With the potential to imp

Key facts

NSF award ID
2612358
Awardee
Knox College (IL)
SAM.gov UEI
WFM6ZQMN9PM1
PI
David P Bunde
Primary program
01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Artificial Intelligence (AI), CI Training and Professionals, CYBERINFRASTRUCTURE/SCIENCE
Estimated total
$149,992
Funds obligated
$149,992
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
07/15/2026 → 06/30/2030