Conference Presentation: STEM, AI, and the Multilingual Mind: Navigating Digital Culture Shock in the Classroom

“STEM, AI, and the Multilingual Mind: Navigating Digital Culture Shock in the Classroom“
Event: NSTA 2026 Conference
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2026 | 1:20 PM
Session Format: Presentation

Location: 153 North Building

Presenters:

   Maria Cieslak (Center for Applied Linguistics)

Description:

As digital tools and AI rapidly transform STEM education, multilingual learners face unique challenges that go beyond language barriers – Digital Culture Shock. In this session, participants will explore how the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, and language learning impacts STEM classrooms. We will examine the stages of digital culture shock and highlight practical approaches for turning digital shifts into opportunities for engagement and innovation. Attendees will gain strategies to integrate AI and digital tools intentionally to scaffold academic language, build STEM literacy, and empower multilingual learners to thrive in today’s STEM classroom.  One-Main Takeaway: Multilingual learners face digital culture shock in STEM with new technologies, AI tools, and language demands. Participants will explore strategies to support STEM access, language development and empowerment to thrive in digital classrooms.