Humanity is at the heart of every student innovation at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), and nowhere is that more evident than in the two AI-powered applications developed by students in UMGC’s Master of Science in Information Technology (IT) with a concentration in software engineering.
These two capstone projects, one in memory support and the other in educational solutions, do more than just showcase our students’ technical expertise; they reflect a deep empathy for real human needs, offering hope and practical solutions to millions.
AI-Driven Memory Support: Empowering Everyday Lives
A Columbia University study reveals that nearly half of all Americans will experience memory impairment in their later years. The research found that among elderly Americans, 40.1 percent develop early-stage memory impairment, and 6.6 percent experience late-stage impairment—meaning nearly half of the current U.S. population (approximately 160 million Americans) will eventually face some form of clinically significant memory challenges when they reach age 65 or older.
UMGC students in the capstone course for the MS in IT with a concentration in software engineering have responded to this profound need with a unified, AI-powered memory support application. This tool listens, transcribes, and intelligently retrieves conversations, making it invaluable not just for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, but also for professionals like waiters, who rely on sharp memory to take complex orders accurately. Instead of struggling to recall details, users can simply ask, “What did I just hear?” and receive an instant, clear summary.
Benefits of the memory support application include
- Continuous speech recognition: The app seamlessly records and transcribes conversations in real time, so nothing is lost or forgotten.
- Natural language query: Users access past conversations by asking questions in plain language, receiving context-rich answers powered by AI.
- Continuous system readiness: No trigger phrases are needed because the system is always ready, removing barriers for users who may forget to activate it.
- Privacy and security: Sensitive conversations are securely processed, respecting the dignity and trust of every user.
- Universal application: Beyond those with clinical memory loss, the tool supports anyone in memory-intensive roles, such as waiters, caregivers, and students, making daily life smoother and more independent.
This technology restores autonomy, dignity, and connection and reminds us that behind every innovation is a person whose life is made a little easier, a little brighter. Imagine the relief of a grandparent who can confidently recall a doctor’s advice, or the pride of an aging waiter who never misses an order.
AI-Powered Educational Solutions: Personalizing Learning for All
Another group of UMGC students in the capstone course have merged their efforts to create an advanced educational platform that integrates large language models, like ChatGPT, with both Moodle and Google Classroom, the two leading learning management systems. This dual integration ensures that schools and universities can choose the system that fits their needs, while still benefiting from the latest in AI-driven teaching.
Benefits of the student-created educational platform include
- Personalized learning: AI adapts to each student’s pace and style, ensuring that no learner is left behind and every strength is nurtured.
- Automated assessment: The platform generates, grades, and adapts quizzes in real time, freeing educators to focus on inspiring and guiding students.
- Seamless integration: Whether using the robust features of Moodle or the simplicity of Google Classroom, educators can deploy AI tools without disrupting their workflow.
- Data-driven insights: Teachers and students receive actionable feedback, helping them celebrate progress and target areas for growth.
- Scalability: Designed for K-12, higher education, and professional training, the system brings equitable, high-quality learning to diverse communities.
For a teacher overwhelmed by grading, or a student struggling to keep up, this technology is more than just software—it’s a supportive partner. It brings the promise of personalized education within reach for all, helping every learner find their path and every teacher focus on what matters most: inspiring the next generation.
Study Software Engineering and AI at UMGC
Master’s in Software Engineering
For those with an undergraduate degree who are looking to advance their careers in a fast-paced and growing IT field, UMGC offers a master’s program in software engineering. You can gain hands-on experience and prepare to take on leadership roles in the implementation of software architecture projects. This program has received a special designation as a Professional Science Master’s Degree program through the Council of Graduate Schools.
Bachelor’s in Artificial Intelligence
If you’re looking to enter the exciting new field of AI, UMGC offers a BS in artificial intelligence. Learn the concepts, principles, ethics, and applications of AI, machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing and gain workplace-ready skills.
You’ll study this emerging technology under the direction of experienced faculty members who bring their real-world expertise and insights to the classroom. This program can help prepare you for leading-edge positions in AI development and applications across government, for-profit, and non-profit sectors.
Undergraduate AI Certificates
You can also gain concentrated AI skills and experience in less time with one of two online undergraduate certificates, either of which can be completed with only 18 credits: Artificial Intelligence Foundations and Machine Learning. All credits earned in either of these certificate programs can be applied to UMGC's BS in artificial intelligence, putting you that much closer to a degree.
The Artificial Intelligence Foundations certificate program can help you attain a comprehensive understanding of AI, from introductory concepts to practical techniques and examples and their modern applications. Credits can be applied to either the Applications track or the Developer track of the AI bachelor's degree. The Machine Learning undergraduate certificate program combines the study of methods and software tools to develop predictive models and artificial intelligence solutions. All credits from this certificate can be applied to the Developer track; some (but not all) of them can be applied to the Applications track.
Why Choose UMGC?
UMGC was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults like you. UMGC offers online courses that you can access virtually anywhere in the world, each built from the ground up specifically for the virtual environment to deliver a seamless, collaborative, and satisfying online classroom experience that prepares you for today's digital business environment.
UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. The university has repeatedly received awards and recognitions for our innovative educational programs and commitment to excellence.
Built from the ground up specifically for the virtual environment UMGC’s courses deliver a seamless, collaborative, and satisfying online classroom experience that prepares you for today's digital business environment. Plus, our online courses are typically offered in 8-week sessions, instead of 16-week semesters, so you can complete more courses in less time. Hybrid options are also available.
To provide a truly online learning experience, we’ve also replaced bulky, expensive textbooks with no-cost digital course materials in most courses. The materials are easy to download within your online classroom and continually updated with the latest industry information.
A Call to Join the Journey
At UMGC, these AI capstone projects are more than academic exercises; they are acts of service, born from a belief in the power of technology to uplift and empower. They address not just the needs of today, but the hopes of tomorrow: a world where memory loss doesn’t mean loss of independence, and where every student has a chance to shine.
If you’re inspired by the idea of using your skills to make a real difference, UMGC’s programs invite you to join a community where expertise meets compassion, and where every breakthrough is a step forward for all of humanity.
Dr. Assadullah sincerely thanks Roy Gordon, Antonio Lockhart, Robert Wilson, Ashley Wane, Camille Joie De Jesus, Kathryn Mori, Safia Azhar, and countless UMGC students for their invaluable contributions and collaboration on these projects — their support has been instrumental to these successes.
Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by UMGC nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of UMGC by the third party.
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