Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform science and society, but what if we can use AI to transform the way we teach and learn? This talk will explore how geospatial sciences, AI, and curriculum design and development are connecting in interesting ways. Eric Shook will discuss his work in using AI to design, develop, and deploy next-generation curricula in GIScience, geospatial computing, and geospatial data science. By leveraging AI-driven computational workflows, such as an Agentic Curriculum Builder, he is working to improve and accelerate education and reshape how students and scholars engage with advanced technologies throughout their academic journeys.
Eric Shook is an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota, where he works at the intersection of geography and computer science. He is the Co-Lead for Education and Workforce Development for the NSF-supported I-GUIDE project as well as the Director of the GeoCommons and Spatial Maker Space, which are collaborative hubs for geospatial research, education, & public engagement at the University of Minnesota. His research combines geographic information science and computational science in the field of geospatial computing. He also focuses on advancing geospatial education by integrating advanced technologies, such as AI, into the curriculum development process.