NCNGM Sponsors the Upcoming RIACTE Conference

The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) is excited to announce our sponsorship of the upcoming Rhode Island Association of Career Technician Education (RIACTE) Summer Conference. This opportunity has been made possible through NCNGM's partnership with EdAdvance, an organization equally dedicated to enhancing educational practices and workforce readiness in our communities. For a second year in a row, RIACTE is honored to have Matt Mervis, Director of Skills21 and AI Strategy at EdAdvance, as the keynote speaker. His address will focus on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, exploring how AI technologies can reshape teaching methodologies, enhance learning experiences, and prepare students for a rapidly evolving workforce. The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the largest national education association devoted to advancing education that effectively prepares both youth and adults for a wide array of careers. ACTE is committed to improving the job performance and overall satisfaction of its members, as well as the broader career and technical education (CTE) community. The organization actively works to increase public awareness and appreciation for the vital role that CTE plays in our workforce. ACTE is also dedicated to ensuring sustained growth in local, state, and federal funding for CTE programs. This is achieved through strategic communication and collaboration with legislators and government leaders, advocating for policies that support and enhance educational opportunities in career and technical fields.

The New England Institute of Technology (NEIT), a private institution, will host the Rhode Island ACTE Summer Conference in East Greenwich, RI. NEIT is known for its emphasis on hands-on education, which is crucial for equipping students with the practical skills needed in today’s job market. The institution prioritizes professional skill-building and offers instruction led by industry leaders who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Students benefit from small class sizes that personalize learning and support services that cater to their individual needs. Additionally, NEIT provides accelerated learning options that allow students to complete their programs and prepare for immediate entry into the workforce or to further their education.

At the conference, the NCNGM will present on Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing, highlighting the innovative applications and implications of AI technologies within the manufacturing sector. This presentation aims to shed light on how AI can enhance operational efficiency, improve product quality, and drive innovation in manufacturing processes, as well as the impact of advanced manufacturing industry partnerships. The session information is as follows: "Preparing Technicians for AI-Driven Advanced Manufacturing Artificial intelligence (AI) is used in the advanced manufacturing industry to enhance precision, productivity, and safety from company operations down to how individual products are made. This session presented by the National Science Foundation funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming manufacturing and reshaping technician education. Drawing on results from the NCNGM’s national industry survey, their national summit for educators in manufacturing-related programs, and national partnerships including EdAdvance, the NSF funded National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium, and FANUC America Corporation, participants will learn about current and emerging uses of artificial intelligence in advanced manufacturing companies and what future manufacturing technicians need to know. Participants will also learn about strategies, partnerships, and resources to help bring these innovations to their institutions." NCNGM representatives will also be at a dedicated booth in the exhibit hall, providing an excellent opportunity for participants to ask questions, gather information, and explore our resources and initiatives in person, as well as browse our comprehensive website to learn more about our initiatives and programs.

EdAdvance is committed to providing an array of artificial intelligence resources specifically designed for educators. These resources can be accessed through its website and the weekly podcast, Chat EDU. This podcast serves as a platform for discussions surrounding educational innovations, including AI’s impact on teaching and learning. Dr. Karen Wosczyna-Birch, the Director and Principal Investigator of the NCNGM, was featured as a guest on an episode of Chat EDU, where she shared valuable insights and perspectives on integrating AI in educational contexts. For those interested, the episode is available to listen to or view on YouTube, offering a visual way to learn more about the intersection of technology and education.

https://youtu.be/YsCWp7tv-w0?si=v8_x-uPWzQk0eS9D