Press Releases
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Al Renshaw
Phone: 1-800-577-9040
e-Mail: Al Renshaw
QUANTUM® RECEIVES $100,000 FROM THE
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION TO RESEARCH AND DEVELOP ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
SIMULATION SOFTWARE FOR TEACHER TRAINING
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - January 10,
2007, Quantum Simulations, Inc., a developer of artificial intelligence
(AI) tutoring, assessment and professional development software has
received a $100,000 Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop artificial
intelligence-based teaching simulation software for science and mathematics.
The six-month feasibility study will
explore how Quantum's AI tutoring and assessment engines can help
new and out-of-field instructors better prepare for teaching difficult
science and mathematics subjects such as chemistry by simulating typical
student/teacher interactions. In an online learning environment, the
software will enable teachers to become more familiar with content,
effectively respond to student questions and practice proven pedagogical
techniques for improving student understanding before getting in front
of a live class.
"It's like a flight simulator for teachers,"
comments Mr. Dale Holder, Quantum's Chief Academic Officer and award-winning
master teacher for over 35 years. "Teacher Edition textbooks and professional
development seminars a few times a year are helpful but less experienced
teachers need daily support with lesson planning and working with
struggling students. Quantum's simulation software will be a convenient
and effective tool to better prepare teachers for the classroom."
Similar to observing a master teacher
in class, teachers can view detailed explanations of the pedagogy
behind the instructional feedback given to students and ask the artificial
intelligence Teacher about key concepts and teaching techniques required
to improve conceptual understanding. In this way, Quantum's software
serves as a virtual mentor and co-pilot to help the teacher navigate
through the subject matter, identify common trouble spots and practice
responding to student questions.
The development of Quantum's teacher
training software is urgently needed. According to the National Center
for Education Statistics report, The Condition of Education,
there is a significant shortage of qualified science and mathematics
teachers in the United States. An increasing number of middle schools
and high schools are forced to rely on new and out-of-field teachers
to fill the gap for teaching these subjects, often resulting in a
substantial decline in the quality, depth and individual attention
students receive.
About Quantum®
Quantum Simulations, Inc. develops artificial intelligence (AI) tutoring,
assessment and professional development software that empowers teachers
and inspires students from middle school through college to improve
their knowledge and appreciation for the sciences. Teacher tested
and approved by educators across the United States, Quantum's AI software
is proven in research studies to improve comprehension, problem solving
skills and test scores by as much as 50%. Quantum's intelligent tutoring
engines are integrated with existing web-based learning products,
providing a strong competitive edge for distributing partners. A "technology
think tank," Quantum® is funded and supported by the U.S. Department
of Education, the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes
of Health. For more information, please visit www.quantumsimulations.com.
About NSF
NSF is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research
and education across all fields of science and engineering, with an
annual budget of $5.58 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through
grants to nearly 1,700 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF
receives about 40,000 competitive requests for funding, and makes
nearly 10,000 new funding awards. The NSF also awards over $400 million
in professional and service contracts yearly. For more information,
visit, www.nsf.gov.
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