Innovations in AI for Education

Discover how AI is changing educational technology and collaboration.

  • Research-driven AI solutions for K-12 and higher education
  • Collaborative innovation with educators and technologists
  • AI model development, training, and fine-tuning for education
Explore Projects

Our AI Projects

Explore our innovative AI projects that are reshaping the future of education through intelligent technology solutions.

TeacherServer AI Platform
TeacherServer AI Platform

TeacherServer is a free platform with over a thousand AI tools built for educators, from K-12 to higher education. It runs on a local server for speed and privacy, so no data is stored or shared. Teachers can create lesson plans, worksheets, quizzes, and more, while faculty use tools for research, feedback, and course design. The platform follows Department of Education privacy guidelines and helps educators save time while focusing on teaching.

  • 1000+ AI tools for educators
  • Local server deployment for privacy
  • 3 million plus users
https://www.teacherserver.com View
AI Powered Dropout Monitor
AI Powered Dropout Monitor

The Course Dropout Monitor connects to Canvas to spot early signs of student risk using live, anonymized course data. It alerts faculty when students show patterns like missed assignments or sudden grade drops, giving time to step in with support. The system is secure, FERPA compliant, and designed to reduce surprise withdrawals while helping instructors focus on teaching instead of tracking data.

  • Canvas LMS and AI integration
  • Real-time risk pattern detection
  • U.S. Utility Patent Awarded
https://coeserver.com/canvas/ View
AI-Integrated IES Practices
AI-Integrated IES Practices

The AI-Integrated IES Practices platform uses AI and a RAG approach to make practice guides searchable and interactive. Educators, students, and higher ed faculty can query these guides for evidence-based strategies, research-informed lessons, and classroom practices. The system imports guides into a vector database, allowing users to explore recommendations, filter by topic or keyword, and receive practical guidance grounded in research and expert consensus.

  • RAG AI training for interactive guide searches
  • Thousands of pages from all IES practice guides
  • Research-based lessons & strategies for K-12 and higher education
https://coeserver.com/rag/login.php View
AI-Supported FTCE/FELE Exam Study Guide
AI-Supported FTCE/FELE Exam Study Guide

The AI-Supported FTCE/FELE Exam Study Guide combines structured lessons and practice tests with interactive AI support. Students can generate summaries, request examples, review detailed solutions, create flashcards, and build new practice questions without leaving the course. The tool reinforces learning with trusted content tied to exam competencies, giving students personalized help, stronger problem-solving skills, and greater confidence on test day.

  • AI tied to vetted FTCE/FELE course content
  • Personalized support with examples, explanations, and flashcards
  • Integrated study experience built into the course platform
https://coeserver.com/quiz/login.php View
GrantServer AI Platform
GrantServer AI Platform

GrantServer uses AI to streamline grant discovery and research development for universities and faculty. It connects project ideas to the most relevant federal funding opportunities using semantic matching and real-time data from Grants.gov, and it automates sharing through LinkedIn so research offices can work more efficiently.

  • AI-powered project-to-grant matching
  • Real-time integration with Grants.gov
  • Automated LinkedIn posting and scheduling
https://grantserver.com View

AI Curriculum Development

Comprehensive curriculum resources integrating AI tools and methodologies into educational programs across different levels and disciplines.

AI in Teaching & Learning Graduate Certificate
New GR Certificate: AI in Teaching & Learning

The AI in Teaching & Learning Graduate Certificate equips educators with practical skills to integrate AI into teaching, curriculum design, and assessment. Participants learn to evaluate AI tools, design custom solutions, and implement AI-driven strategies to enhance learning outcomes and support diverse student needs.

  • Four fully online courses for flexible, practical learning
  • Hands-on experience designing and implementing AI tools in education
  • Prepares educators to lead AI integration in K-12 and higher education
https://ai-certification.info/ View
Computer Science Teacher Certification
New Course: Computer Science Teacher Certification

The USF Computer Science Teacher Certification prepares Florida K–12 teachers to teach computer science and pass the FTCE exam. Participants learn computational thinking, programming, data structures, algorithms, and effective CS pedagogy, gaining practical skills to design lessons, manage classrooms, and integrate computer science across subjects.

  • FTCE exam-focused curriculum with hands-on practice
  • Designed for teachers with limited CS background
  • FLDOE reimbursement available for tuition and exam fees
https://coeserver.com/course/ View

AI Advisory Council

Bringing together industry experts and district technology leaders to support educators in using AI responsibly and effectively.

AI Advisory Council

About the Advisory Council

Mission: Bringing together industry experts and district technology leaders to explore how we can support both preservice and inservice teachers in using AI responsibly and effectively in their work.
Input & Guidance: Gather input from educators and district partners to guide AI curricula and professional development with practical and ethical AI practices.
Tool Evaluation: Evaluate and recommend AI tools and policies that are effective, appropriate, and align with ethical standards for education.
Resources: Provide resources, training, and clear communication to help faculty, students, and stakeholders integrate AI effectively.

Our Team

Meet the innovative minds behind our AI education projects, combining expertise in technology, education, and research.

Jenifer Jasinski Schneider, Ph.D.
Jenifer Jasinski Schneider, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Education

Expert in literacy education and children's literature with experience in K–12 writing development, arts-based literacy approaches, and digital literacies. Former Fulbright Scholar and long-time director of the Suncoast Young Authors Celebration, author of the open-access digital textbook The Inside, Outside, and Upside Downs of Children's Literature.

Zafer Unal, Ph.D.
Zafer Unal, Ph.D.

Professor & Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies

Expert in educational technology and computer science education with extensive experience in computer hardware, software systems, and programming languages including Java, C++, Python, PHP, and MySQL. Specializes in teacher professional development and curriculum design for K-12 computer science programs.

Stephanie Arthur, Ph.D.
Stephanie Arthur, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Science Education

Expert in Science and STEAM Education with a focus on inclusive pedagogy for STEM teacher preparation. Leads research and development in generative AI to support teaching and learning, and builds innovative community partnerships to expand equitable access to STEM education and emerging technologies.

Nithin Palyam
Nithin Palyam

Research Assistant, USF College of Computer Science & Engineering

Computer engineering graduate student with expertise in computer hardware, software systems, and programming languages including Java, C++, Python, and C#. Experienced in full-stack development, database design, and software engineering principles.

Contact Us

Get in touch with our AI Lab team to learn more about our projects, collaboration opportunities, or research partnerships.

USF College of Education Building

Visit Our Lab

Located in: University of South Florida, College of Education
Address: 4110 USF Apple Dr, Tampa, FL 33620
Email: unal@usf.edu
Website: coeserver.com