Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Shiyao Wei
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?: sw22b@fsu.edu
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): sw22b@fsu.edu
Position Title: Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name: {Empty}
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email: {Empty}
FSU College (if applicable): Education
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Florida State University
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/8511/DSC07045.jpg

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above): {Empty}
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?: {Empty}
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): {Empty}
Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable): {Empty}
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific?: {Empty}
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): {Empty}

Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: How Pre-service Teachers Develop AI Literacy through Social Media
Project Keywords: Pre-service teacher, AI, informal learning, social media
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: No
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Education-related, Computer Science (with an interest in education), Communication.

Project Location:: On FSU Main Campus
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: No, the project is remote
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s):: Fully Remote
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work?: 6
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work?: During business hours
Overall Research Project Description:
In an era defined by the ever-growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on education, both challenges and opportunities abound for educators. Amidst this transformative landscape, pre-service teachers stand at the threshold of a new educational paradigm, one that demands a nuanced understanding of AI's implications. This research initiative aims to bridge the existing gap in knowledge surrounding how pre-service teachers proactively prepare for the AI revolution. By delving into their informal learning behaviors, motivations, and perceptions, this study seeks to shed light on the dynamic process through which these future educators cultivate AI literacy, thereby enriching our comprehension of their pivotal role in the evolving educational narrative. 

This study employs a phenomenological approach to delve into the lived experiences and perceptions of pre-service teachers regarding AI literacy. Participants will be recruited from a study pool at a public state university. They will initially complete a screening survey, followed by in-depth one-hour interviews. The insights garnered from these interviews will be supplemented by the submission of three artifacts related to their AI-related learning experiences.

Through this research, we aim to contribute valuable insights into the informal learning strategies that pre-service teachers adopt to equip themselves with AI literacy. By addressing the evolving needs of educators in an AI-driven world, we aspire to empower these future educators with the knowledge and skills necessary for an increasingly AI-influenced educational landscape.

Research Tasks:
Literature review: Examine pertinent studies in pre-service teacher education and AI literacy. Identify and establish meaningful connections between present research and historical studies.
Data collection: The primary tasks involve arranging time slots with participants and conducting interviews.
Data analysis: While it's possible that we might not reach this phase during this semester, if we do, the data analysis will encompass the utilization of qualitative coding software such as Dedoose and NVivo. This will facilitate coding of qualitative data, leading to the identification of significant topics and patterns.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Required: Interest in AI literacy, familiarity with major social media platforms, strong time management skills, and familiarity with Zoom or other major video conferencing tools.
Recommended: Experience in reading academic papers (training can be provided), and prior interview experience.

Mentoring Philosophy:
1. Collaborative Learning Approach:
My mentoring philosophy is all about learning and growing together. I genuinely care about my mentees' progress and feelings. If you're interested in my project, we can team up for impactful research.
2. Tailored Support:
Mentees aiming for a Ph.D. in fields like educational technology and instructional design can benefit from our collaboration. With published articles and conference participation in these areas, I offer insights into academia. If you're curious about academia's workings, reach out.
For those seeking fundamental academic skills, like effective research and using AI tools, I'm here to help. Since our project focuses on boosting AI literacy, my experience can be a helpful guide.
3. Embracing Curiosity and Respect:
I love learning new things, just as I hope you do. Being a quick learner is a plus. I appreciate open communication and value a safe space where everyone feels respected.

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wsJe_8wAAAAJ&hl=en
Please add any additional information here (if applicable)::
My personal website: https://sw3550.github.io/


Roundtable times and Zoom links:
Wednesday, Sept 6, 10:00-10:30 am, Zoom link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91922369393
Thursday, Sept 7, 3:00-3:30 pm, Zoom link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/99968726202

UROP Program Elements
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Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication: Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation: Yes
Materials Grant: Yes
UROP Poster Presentation: Yes
Faculty Advisor Confirmation: {Empty}

Are you interested in attending in a UROP Research Mentor Workshop Series?: Yes
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Year: 2023
update url: https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?element_parents=elements/research_mentor_information/headshot_optional_&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=j-m3hM31rqHsq-tlIVxsJDQtDA60rWw_0gRJNhnc45U