Artificial intelligence (AI) will be the topic of discussion at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu online event, Computational Thinking Hui Talk Story #3: Using AI in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, which will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, via Zoom.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), is is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health, according to the Center on PBIS. The center’s website states that when implemented with fidelity, PBIS improves social emotional competence, academic success, and school climate, and it also improves teacher health and wellbeing.
The Computational Thinking Hui talk story session will feature presenter Dr. Joy Mahiko, Associate Professor of Education and Special Education at UH West O‘ahu. The seminar will explore how AI tools are embedded in a PBIS course to empower teacher candidates to evaluate, design, and implement effective classroom management practices that honor and reflect deep understanding of individual student needs. Central to this holistic and ethical approach is considering cultural, family, and school contexts to select research-based strategies that promote positive academic and social outcomes.
The Computational Thinking Hui is a gathering place primarily for UH West O‘ahu faculty and staff to equip them with the tools in a learning community to elevate computational thinking in teaching practices; expand the knowledge base to serve a diverse community of students in an Indigenous-serving institution; and provide funding to support computational thinking research for themselves and for their students.
The Computational Thinking Hui and its monthly panel events are part of the Partnership in Advancing Computational Thinking (PACT) project, a collaboration between UH West O‘ahu and Kaua‘i Community College. As part of PACT, researchers are exploring a model for Native Hawaiian and other Indigenous-serving institutions to better prepare students and faculty in the face of emerging technological advances, such as generative AI.
The project, funded by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Tribal Colleges and University Program, is led by Kaua‘i CC Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Frankie Harriss and Co-PI Ryan Girard, and by UH West O‘ahu PI Dr. Esther Widiasih and Co-PI Dr. Fiorella Penaloza.
Past events in the series include Computational Thinking Hui Panel Series #1: Empowering Faculty through Indigenous Perspectives and Computational Thinking Hui Panel Series #2: AI in the Classrooms.
The Computational Thinking Hui panel/talk story series aims to empower UH West O‘ahu faculty, staff, students, and community members with innovative tools to enhance computational thinking in teaching practices. To attend Computational Thinking Hui Talk Story #3: Using AI in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, register at https://go.hawaii.edu/aUE. For inquiries, email widiasih@hawaii.edu.