Northwestern University announced that Eun Hee Kim, Chin-Hung Chang and Sara Owsley Sood are the recipients of the 2024 Alumni Curriculum Innovation Award. This prestigious recognition highlights the university’s commitment to leverage technology and ethical considerations in education. Kim and Chang’s project focuses on improving Korean and Chinese learning through a conversational chatbot, while Sood aims to integrate ethics modules into the computer science curriculum.
Revolutionizing language learning
Eun Hee Kim and Chin-Hung Chang, both esteemed professors at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, are at the forefront of significant change in language education. Their project introduces a personalized conversational chatbot designed to provide second-year Korean and Chinese-speaking students with ample opportunities for practice outside of the classroom. This innovative approach not only facilitates language acquisition, but also immerses students in cultural nuances, preparing them for real-world interactions. Emerging research supports the effectiveness of these AI-based tools in improving language skills and cultural understanding.
Integrating ethics into IT
On another front, Sara Owsley Sood’s project responds to the urgent need for ethical reflection in the field of technology and computing. By developing ethics modules that can be seamlessly integrated into the computer science curriculum, Sood and his team aim to cultivate a generation of programmers and developers who are aware of the ethical implications of their work. This initiative is part of Northwestern University’s broader technology ethics initiative, which aims to equip students with the tools needed to navigate the complex moral landscape of modern technology. The importance of ethics in technology education is increasingly recognized, making Sood’s work both timely and impactful.
Funding innovation and recognition
The Northwestern University Alumni Award for Curricular Innovation not only highlights outstanding faculty projects, but also provides substantial support to bring those ideas to life. With $12,500 in funding allocated to each project, Kim, Chang and Sood will have the resources necessary to develop and implement their innovative educational components. This financial support highlights the university’s investment in pioneering teaching methods and recognition of faculty efforts to enhance student learning experiences. A reception in the spring is planned to honor the recipients and celebrate their contributions to the university community.
As Northwestern University continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in education, the work of Kim, Chang, and Sood exemplifies the institution’s dedication to innovation, technology, and ethical thinking . Their projects not only represent significant advancements in their respective fields, but also set a precedent for other educational institutions to follow. As these initiatives unfold, they promise to reshape the higher education landscape and prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
