AI Education Needs Analysis
Unlocking AI Potential: Bridging Gaps in Research & Education
The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, has driven increased interest among researchers and educators. The NAIRR Pilot was launched in 2024 to support U.S. research and education communities in responsibly leveraging AI. Through surveys and engagement efforts, key obstacles have been identified, including gaps in high-performance computing (HPC) knowledge and the need for structured AI education. The 'AI Unlocked' workshop, hosted in April 2025, attracted over 768 applicants and covered a range of AI topics, revealing strong interest in large language models (LLMs), AI research applications, and hands-on training.
Key Metrics from AI Education Needs Analysis
Deep Analysis & Enterprise Applications
Select a topic to dive deeper, then explore the specific findings from the research, rebuilt as interactive, enterprise-focused modules.
Many researchers and educators face significant hurdles in effectively leveraging AI, particularly concerning high-performance computing (HPC) resources and a clear understanding of best practices.
Biggest Challenges with AI (Survey Findings)
Challenge Category | Prevalence (Approx.) |
---|---|
Too many tools, need help understanding applicability | 40% of respondents |
Using AI in research, need 1:1 help with specific issues | 30% of respondents |
Need extra help to use AI in research or classroom | 20% of respondents |
Overwhelmed, don't know where to start | 10% of respondents |
The NAIRR Pilot and initiatives like the 'AI Unlocked' workshop aim to bridge these gaps by providing structured education, resources, and community support tailored to user needs.
NAIRR Pilot AI Education Journey
The insights gained from initial surveys and workshop applications are crucial for refining future AI education strategies and ensuring effective, responsible AI adoption.
AI Unlocked Workshop Applicant Disciplines
Discipline | Prevalence |
---|---|
Computer Science | Most applications |
Engineering | High representation |
Social Sciences | Significant interest |
Humanities & Arts | Notable presence |
Biology / Biomedical/Health Science | Strong interest |
Mathematics / Physics / Chemistry / Earth Science / Space Science | Represented |
Case Study: The AI Unlocked Workshop
Problem: Researchers and educators needed structured education and resources to effectively leverage AI tools, especially concerning HPC and LLMs.
Solution: The 'AI Unlocked' workshop was developed with two tracks (beginner & advanced) covering 11 key AI topics, including LLMs, AI in research, and HPC usage, attracting over 768 applicants.
Outcome: The strong demand and diverse participant base highlighted the critical need for comprehensive AI education and community-building, informing future NAIRR Pilot support strategies.
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Your AI Education & Integration Roadmap
A structured approach to transforming your AI capabilities, from initial assessment to ongoing community engagement.
Phase 1: Needs Assessment & Resource Discovery
Identify specific AI education gaps and explore available NAIRR Pilot resources, including computational access and learning materials.
Phase 2: Targeted Training & Skill Development
Engage in structured workshops like 'AI Unlocked' to gain practical skills in LLMs, AI research applications, and HPC utilization.
Phase 3: Pilot Implementation & Support
Apply newly acquired AI knowledge to research projects, utilizing NAIRR Pilot allocations with ongoing 1:1 support and office hours.
Phase 4: Community Engagement & Best Practices
Participate in knowledge-sharing opportunities, foster collaborations, and contribute to the evolution of responsible AI practices.
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