Testifiers highlight need for responsibility, safety for AI usage in schools
HARRISBURG, April 21 – Student safety, privacy and responsibility were the focus of the discussion today with members of the House Education Committee and technology and education experts on the first of two informational meetings to discuss the use of AI in education.
“AI technology is growing rapidly and its use in schools is increasing just as fast which is shifting the way children are taught in classrooms and as a result, it’s leading to new challenges for teachers and administrators,” said Rep. Peter Schweyer, Majority Chair of the House Education Committee. “Today’s roundtable shined the light on many of the obstacles as well as the benefits of AI technology in our classrooms.”
Today’s discussion focused on the implementation and utilization of AI technology in K-12 education and featured testimony from Ms. Annie Gianni, State Relations Strategist and Ms. Katja Krieger, Policy Analyst from Education Commission of the States; Ms. Robin Vitucci, Associate Director of the National Academy for AI; Ms. Krista Damelio, Director of State Government Affairs for Code.org; Mr. Mark Stuckey, Chief Technology Officer for Pittsburgh Public Schools; Ms. Melissa Costantino-Poruben, 6th Grade Math Educator for Avonworth School District; and Dr. Mark Holtzman, Superintendent Hempfield Area School District.
“AI has real potential in education. It can support educators. It can expand access. It can reduce burdens that take time away from students. But only if it is implemented thoughtfully, responsibly and with educators at the center,” said Robin Vitucci, Associate Director of the National Academy for AI.
“Artificial Intelligence presents both significant opportunity and responsibility. When implemented thoughtfully, it can strengthen instruction, improve efficiency, enhance safety and improve students for the future,” said Dr. Mark Holtzman, Superintendent Hempfield Area School District.
Schweyer added a second informational meeting on the use of AI technology in higher education is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 22 at 10 a.m. at Carnegie Mellon University, Jared Cohen University Center, 5032 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. That meeting will also be livestreamed here.
Tuesday’s informational meeting can be viewed here. Testimony submitted for Tuesday’s informational meeting can be found here.
Additional information about this and other House Education Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/educationcommittee.
