Providing a clearer understanding of how important mathematics is in AI and machine learning is among the goals of Patterns, Predictions, and Play: Exploring Machine Learning, a free event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 15, in room E-132 at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu.
Organizers welcome UH West O‘ahu students, faculty, and in-service teachers to the event, which is also open to those interested from the general public. Participants will be introduced with machine learning and data science, get involved in hands-on activities, and connect to pedagogy during the event.
The event speaker is Danelle Landgraf, Head of the Technology and Engineering Department at Mid-Pacific Institute. Landgraf said the purpose of the event is to help inspire current and aspiring math teachers to better understand the connections between computer science and mathematics. Starting with a simple AI topic, machine learning, it helps people become more aware of how AI works, she said.
She explained that machine learning, a branch of AI, uses relatively simple algorithms that use patterns to make predictions or decisions. Data science is broader and is where data is interpreted and utilized to make complex decisions.
“These together rely heavily on statistics, algebra, and probability,” Landgraf said.
Landgraf added that she sees mathematics and computer science as deeply interconnected disciplines with a shared purpose.
“AI is rapidly transforming our world and its impact will only continue to grow,” she said. “As educators, it’s our responsibility to equip students with the skills and understanding they need to navigate and thrive in this ever-evolving landscape. By bridging math and computer science, we can better prepare them for the future ahead.”
Those who attend Patterns, Predictions, and Play: Exploring Machine Learning will gain a clearer understanding of how important mathematics is in AI and machine learning, and will have the opportunity to share their experiences with/insights into machine learning and AI.
The event is a collaboration of the Math Teachers’ Circle at Hawai’i (MaTCH) with team leaders Dr. Veny Liu and Dr. Laurie James, and the Partnership in Advanced Computational Thinking (PACT) with Principal Invistigator Dr. Esther Widiasih.
To RSVP, click here or scan the QR code below. For more information, email venyliu@hawaii.edu or ljames7@hawaii.edu.
