Leveraging Artificial Intelligence with Newsela: Bridging the Learning Gap

Framework

This study adopts a constructivist theory approach incorporating the Universal Design for Learning framework.

Methods

The research study will explore the following research question: How do preservice teachers perceive AI uses of Newsela and their impact on elementary reading comprehension and written expression of knowledge? Participants will be recruited from the education department located in a remote HSI university located on the Texas Mexico border during the fall 2024. Participants will take a pre and post survey following Newsela and AI training using Microsoft Forms. Prior to the training, there will be a pre-survey to understand how much the participants know about the topic and their opinions on it. Following that, P. Gutierrez will deliver a 55 minute training explaining adaptive learning applications like Newsela and the benefits it can bring to classrooms in grades 3-5. After the training, there will be a post-survey that will take around 7 minutes to complete. Data collected will be obtained the day of and no future actions will be required. The training would take place on a Wednesday on the first week of November (11/06/2024). The study will have IRB approval. To protect subjects’ privacy interests, P. Gutierrez and Dr. Miller-Ray will be the only ones with access to this data. The data will be housed in a Sul Ross Secure Cloud server that requires a log in. The data will be stored for one up to six months. Consent will be obtained through electronic survey. There will be no identifying information required. No names will be collected. P.Gutierrez, will be responsible for obtaining consent from participants. Consent will be obtained through electronic survey. A consent form along with a statement detailing the survey will be included in the email that contains the survey link or QR code. By clicking the link and completing the survey, participants will indicate their consent to take part. If needed, a translated consent form can be provided upon request, following the approval of the English version.

Results

Outcomes will be shared with the university and at state and national conferences. The researcher expects to see an increase in interest of AI integration from preservice teachers preparing to take the science of teaching reading teaching certification exam following the training experience.

Importance

This study has tremendous potential toward helping the international community explore professional development approaches toward AI uses within science of teaching reading preparation programs preparing first generation, diverse preservice teachers working in a high needs school serving multilingual learners in rural communities along the Texas Mexico border.

References

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