RMIT Vietnam researchers receive Google grant for AI project

RMIT Vietnam researchers receive Google grant for AI project

An interdisciplinary research team from RMIT University Vietnam has received a Google Academic Research Award for their initiative to empower early childhood education teachers with AI.

The RMIT team is the only winner from Vietnam in the inaugural Google Academic Research Awards (GARA). This program was first introduced in 2024 to support academic research in diverse areas within technology and computing to bring about positive change in the world.

In its first year, the GARA program announced grants for 95 projects led by 143 researchers, representing 87 institutions globally. Winners can receive up to US$150,000 in funding and have access to a dedicated Google sponsor to provide consultation along the way.

With one of its key areas being “Making education equitable, accessible and effective using AI”, GARA 2024 is committed to using AI to improve education quality, focusing on equity and inclusivity. This is also in alignment with RMIT’s commitment to leverage academic expertise for social impact and sustainable development, particularly with regard to quality education and gender equality. 

The RMIT project, titled “Empowering Early Childhood Education Teachers with AI: Enhancing Professional Growth through Personalised Support and Timely Feedback”, includes the development and deployment of two AI chatbots for 180 early childhood educators in Vietnam, and academic research papers on ways AI can support teachers’ professional growth.

According to the RMIT research team, integrating STEM into early childhood education is a transformative step in preparing young learners for a technology-driven world. However, in Vietnam, low STEM competencies in teachers have hindered the opportunity for children to experience quality STEM learning.

Child playing with abacus Integrating STEM into early childhood education is a transformative step in preparing young learners for a technology-driven world. (Photo: Pexels)

In an effort to bridge this gap, the research team has proposed an innovative solution to enhance teachers’ professional development, leveraging the power of generative AI to provide personalised, timely support and feedback.

Generative AI can close the existing gaps in traditional professional development by being consistent and efficient in providing tailored guidance. Additionally, its ability to learn and evolve through usage and human feedback makes it a dynamic tool for teachers to improve their teaching practice. 

This innovation is attributed to the strength of the multidisciplinary research team consisting of team leader Dr Nhu Do from The Business School - a change-maker and advocate for early childhood education innovations, Dr Son Dao from the School of Science, Engineering & Technology - an expert in developing advanced machine learning models for various industrial applications, and Dr Greeni Maheshwari from The Business School - a multi-award winner and multidisciplinary educator. 

Dr Greeni Maheshwari, Dr Nhu Do, and Dr Son Dao (L-R) Dr Greeni Maheshwari, Dr Nhu Do, and Dr Son Dao (Photo: RMIT)

Dr Nhu remarked, "This grant is a validation of the importance of our work. Through this project, we are not just enhancing teacher competencies; we are transforming the future of early childhood education in Vietnam and joining hands in reshaping global education.”

In addition to a US$60,000 grant (equivalent to over VND1.5 billion), the team will be paired with a US-based senior technology expert from Google who will provide regular feedback and advice.

Simultaneously, they are joining a community of practice to foster networking and collaboration among researchers from diverse disciplines, facilitating knowledge sharing and peer support.

“This approach helps us navigate challenges and celebrate research success, ultimately enriching research experience and increasing the research's significance,” Dr Nhu concluded.

Story: Thao Ly Le, Ngoc Hoang

Thumbnail image: paulaphoto – stock.adobe.com | Masthead image: Sukjai Photo – stock.adobe.com 

26 February 2025
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