Human-centered AI education
on ethical and social considerations
The National Science Foundation has awarded a two-year, $200,000 grant to the Boston College Engineering Department to develop, implement, and study a new approach to artificial intelligence education grounded in Human-Centered Algorithm Design (HCAD), which integrates technical, ethical, and social considerations into the process of designing algorithmic systems.
The principal investigator for “Research Initiation: Human-Centered AI Algorithm Design for Engineering Students’ Professional Formation” is Ferrante Family Assistant Professor of Engineering Bryan Ranger, whose Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation Lab develops ultrasound imaging and AI technologies for health using human-centered design, advancing engineering education.
Bryan Ranger (Caitlin Cunningham)
“This project will support the development of new teaching strategies that will assist engineering students’ engagement with the ethical, social, and human dimensions of AI,” said Ranger, a member of the Global Public Health and the Common Good Program faculty who also has a courtesy appointment in the Connell School of Nursing.
“By designing and testing innovative ways of teaching that help students connect their technical education with real-world impact, the initiative will support the development of engineers who are thoughtful, responsible, and prepared to contribute to the public good, which aligns with growing national efforts to strengthen the AI workforce and ensure that students and educators are prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital society.”
Ranger noted that the project, which begins November 1, will also address the goals of the NSF’s Research Initiation in Engineering Formation program that call for expanded education, teacher training, and ethical awareness in the field of AI by training a faculty member who is new to engineering education research by building their skills and collaborations needed to study and improve how engineers are taught about AI.
Avneet Hira (Caitlin Cunningham)
According to co-principal investigator, Assistant Professor of Engineering and Sabet Family Dean’s Faculty Fellow Avneet Hira, the project will be executed in three phases: development of modular instructional materials suitable for integration into both introductory and advanced undergraduate engineering courses; implementation of these materials in courses at BC; and the use of design-based research methods to iteratively study and refine the curriculum.
“The research will examine how students understand and apply HCAD concepts, how their perceptions of engineering and AI evolve, and how different elements of the curriculum influence engagement,” she said. “Mixed-methods data collection will include surveys, interviews, classroom observations, and analysis of student work, and the findings will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on engineering education, AI instruction, and pedagogical design for integrated STEM learning.”
Hira explained that project outcomes will include publicly available curricular materials, empirical evidence on how students engaged with human-centered design approaches in technical contexts such as when building AI-based algorithmic systems, and guidance for adapting the HCAD framework to other institutions with varying missions, sizes, and student populations.
“My research group and collaborators in engineering and STEM education are excited to provide mentored experience in research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, and dissemination to support Professor Ranger’s advancement in engineering education research,” said Hira, who also has a courtesy appointment in the Lynch School Department of Teaching, Curriculum, and Society. “I’m also looking forward to learning about Human-Centered AI from Bryan and his group. Through these efforts, the project aims to improve the quality and reach of AI education and help shape a generation of engineers who are equipped to design technologies that responsibly serve society.”
Ranger underscored that AI is rapidly transforming the world, and is changing how people learn, work, and connect.
“From health care and transportation to education and public services, AI systems are shaping how people make decisions and influencing everyday experiences,” he said. “As these technologies become more integrated into daily life, it’s essential that engineers are prepared not only to build them, but also to understand and anticipate their broader societal impacts.”