Integrating Next Generation Computing in Any Discipline: Leveraging and Using AI for and in the Classroom

Unlock the future of STEM teaching with this professional development series for Noyce recipients. Hosted by the University of Central Florida DRACO Lab a part of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, these immersive sessions are designed to bridge the gap between university-level innovation and the K-12 classroom. You will discover how to transform "buzzwords" like AI and IoT into real-world and standards-aligned instructional tools that connect with real-world challenges and solutions. From using Generative AI as a teaching co-pilot to programming physical Edge/IoT systems (with GenAI), you will leave with knowledge, hands-on resources, and the confidence to inspire the next generation.
 

Read on for descriptions of the 3 different offerings each from 8:30 AM to 12 PM PST. 

Workshop #1: April 11th: Using AI for STEM: Lessons and More

Stop asking "What is AI?" and start asking "How does this help my students learn?" Move beyond the buzzwords and discover how to utilize Large Language Models (LLMs) as a co-pilot for your STEM curriculum. We will cover prompt engineering strategies that reduce your planning time and create differentiated, standards-aligned learning experiences. whether you need to generate a week of inquiry-based physics problems or create a personalized math tutor for struggling students, this session gives you the engineering tools to do it effectively.

• Compensation: $250 Stipend (paid upon full-day completion).
• Capacity: 25 Educators (Selected via Lottery).
• Focus: Curriculum alignment, differentiation, and administrative time-saving.

Apply for the Lottery Now to secure your chance at a seat.

Workshop #2: April 18th: Verifying STEM AI Outputs: What You Really Need to Know

Your students are using AI—but do they know when it’s wrong? AI models often "hallucinate," especially when it comes to calculation and scientific fact. As engineers, we operate on a trust-but-verify basis. This workshop equips you with the digital literacy frameworks necessary to "audit" AI-generated code and math solutions. You will leave with concrete strategies to teach critical thinking and verification skills, ensuring your students use these tools to learn, not just to copy.

• Compensation: $250 Stipend (paid upon full-day completion).
• Capacity: 25 Educators (Selected via  Lottery).
• Focus: Academic integrity, error analysis, and critical thinking in STEM.

Apply for the Lottery Now to master the skills needed for the AI era.

April 25th: Integrated STEM: Programming Edge/IoT Systems in AI

Take Computing out of the browser and into the physical lab. This  session introduces Edge Computing and the Internet of Things (IoT)—critical skills for the modern engineering workforce. You will get hands-on experience programming, or using LLMs to help you program, devices to collect real-world data and process it using AI-based logic. This is the ultimate way to bridge the gap between abstract coding concepts and physical science standards.

• Compensation: $250 Stipend (paid upon full-day completion).
• Bonus: Engineering hardware/materials included for you to take back to your classroom.
• Capacity: 25 Educators (Selected via Lottery).
• Focus: NGSS/CTE alignment, hardware sensors, and real-world data processing.

Apply for the Lottery Now to bring real engineering hardware to your classroom.

***Registration now open - see form below.***  You must be logged in to your WRNN account to register.

Registration deadline: March 15, 2026. 

Be sure to indicate your workshop preference(s). All eligible registrants will be invited to one workshop before any registrants are invited to a second workshop. In other words, registration numbers will determine if any registrants can participate in more than one workshop.