Generating Diverse Talent: Examining Who is Interested in Artificial Intelligence

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 7:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable Session 9: Student Learning and Development in College and Beyond

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has grown exponentially and is ubiquitous in its active and passive use. It is urgent to contend with the diversity of talent (or the lack thereof) that informs AI innovations. We use a multi-institutional and longitudinal survey of computing students from 16 research universities to illuminate diversity among interests in pursuing AI. Informed by QuantCrit, we use descriptive, comparative, and intersectional statistical approaches to investigate AI interests of college students. Our findings suggest significant differences exist in AI interests across gender and race. The disparities in AI interest highlight the critical need for future research to identify factors that foster engagement and to design computing courses and trajectory that ensure sustainable access and success for marginalized students.

Authors

• Chantra Nhien, University of California - Los Angeles

• HyeJin Tina Yeo, University of California - Los Angeles

• Catherine Jang, University of California - Los Angeles