High Country Times

Today in Washington, DC, a hearing was held by the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee to discuss the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on K-12 education. Kevin Kiley, Subcommittee Chairman and former high school teacher, expressed his views on AI's rapid advancements. He noted that it has significant potential to impact education by addressing fundamental challenges and providing opportunities for improvement.

Kiley pointed to the fast-paced development of AI technologies, remarking, "Artificial Intelligence has been advancing at such a rapid pace in recent months, weeks, and days that by the end of this hearing anything we say this morning will probably be outdated." He highlighted the concerns associated with these advancements, including geopolitical issues, job impacts, privacy, and social changes.

Despite these concerns, Kiley stressed the opportunities AI offers. He cited the example of AI's potential to overhaul education, stating, "Our school system has shameful achievement gaps...AI can change that. It has the potential to give every child in America a richer educational experience than any child in America had just a few years ago."

AI tools were highlighted for their capacity to tailor educational experiences to individual needs and enhance teaching and learning processes. At the hearing, Kiley mentioned that almost 50% of K-12 students use AI tools like ChatGPT weekly. "The question is not whether students will use AI – that’s already happening. Rather, the question is how schools can support students in using AI responsibly," Kiley remarked.

However, he also recognized the risks. A survey revealed that 40% of middle and high school students admitted using AI without permission for assignments. "The challenge is to be vigilant in assuring AI never becomes a shortcut to avoid engaging critical thinking," Kiley cautioned.

The discussion also touched on issues concerning student privacy and the importance of ensuring AI does not replace human interaction in education. As Kiley remarked, "We must be mindful of excessively absorbing students into digital worlds."

Kiley clarified that the hearing was not a call for new federal mandates, emphasizing the importance of state and local leadership in education. "The best education solutions emerge when school leaders and teachers are given flexibility," he concluded.

The hearing served as a platform to explore the potential benefits of AI in education and encouraged sharing best practices across the country. An assembled panel of witnesses was expected to provide diverse insights into the topic.