Krystal Chatman: Expanding Horizons for AI Education in Mississippi

With a dynamic blend of passion, expertise, and visionary leadership, Krystal Chatman is redefining the landscape of educational technology. Her journey from a biology major to an AI education pioneer is a narrative of inspiration, marked by her deep commitment to empowering students and educators alike with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the age of AI.

Krystal Chatman

President of the Mississippi Chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association

Krystal Chatman's role as an instructional technology facilitator in the Jackson Public School District has placed her at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge AI and technology into classrooms. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that technology, particularly AI, should be an empowering tool accessible to all. As she began teaching computer science to k-12 students, Chatman empashizes that “I knew I had to focus on how they felt about CS rather than the content.”

Her passion for computer science education has driven her to develop programs like the Learning Accelerator, a groundbreaking initiative aiming to transform how AI is taught and embraced in schools. The Learning Accelerator focuses on arming educators with the knowledge and tools necessary for teaching AI. This initiative, supported by data.org and Microsoft, will be transformative, offering comprehensive training and resources to educators, and making AI concepts more accessible and engaging for students through interactive learning platforms.

An example slide from one of Krystal’s CSTA workshops.

Image from U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Future of Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations, (Washington, DC, 2023): 11.

Another key aspect of Chatman's work is the development of Educator Labs. These labs serve as hubs for professional development, innovation, and collaboration among educators. Her efforts in these labs extend to assisting educators in seamlessly integrating AI into their existing curricula, ensuring AI education is an integral part of the learning journey.

A significant focus of Chatman’s work is ensuring equitable access to AI education. This is particularly impactful in a state like Mississippi, where a considerable proportion of the student population comes from underrepresented communities. Chatman is determined to break down barriers to advanced technology education, and to make it accessible to all. “I am always excited to witness the transformation of the students, regardless of their starting point,” Krystal says. “CS [is] a vehicle to build student confidence in their ability to bring their ideas to fruition.” She has pioneered initiatives like the first Girls Who Code club in her area, focusing on gender inclusivity in tech. These initiatives have been remarkably successful in raising interest and participation in technology among students.

Krystal Chatman brings a dynamic presentation style to her
community-focused AI education.

As Chatman looks towards the future, her vision remains clear and focused on expanding her reach and continuing her advocacy for equitable and innovative AI education. "Tech shouldn't be scary," she says, underscoring her belief that with the right guidance and resources, anyone can use AI and technology. Chatman's commitment to making technology accessible and understandable has already begun to reshape the educational landscape in Mississippi, paving the way for a new generation of tech-savvy, innovative thinkers. Outside of education, Chatman shares her expertise with the broader Jackson community, most recently at the Black Business Expo at Tougaloo College where she discussed both the opportunities and challenges of employing generative AI in business.

Chatman's commitment to making technology accessible and understandable is inspiring a new wave of students and educators, ready to take on the challenges of the future. We could not be more pleased to have Krystal as a founding member of the MS AI Collaborative team!

Source cited: https://csteachers.org/making-change-in-mississippi-with-csta-equity-fellow-krystal-chatman/