Education Committee examines utilization of AI in higher education
Rep. Peter G. Schweyer April 22, 2026
PITTSBURGH, April 22 – Testifiers detailed significant opportunities and challenges for colleges and universities to implement and utilize artificial intelligence technology. The House Education Committee convened an informational meeting to discuss this issue with experts in higher education and technology.
“There is no question AI is already here and is being utilized by many college students and faculty, but there are serious questions surrounding the technology and its impact on teaching, development of curricula, and ensuring academic integrity that need to be discussed,” said Rep. Peter Schweyer, Majority Chair of the House Education Committee. “Today’s roundtable provided a clear picture of these issues and what can be done to ensure AI continues to expand and enhance education.”
Today’s discussion focused on the implementation and utilization of AI technology higher education and featured testimony from:
- Mr. Richard Scheines, Professor of Philosophy, Bess Family Dean, Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University
- Dr. Ingo Witzke, Director of Mathematics Didactics, University of Siegen
- Dr. Lori Bailey, Ed.D., Assistant Dean of Enrollment, Technology & Assessment, College of Education and Human Development, Temple University
- Ms. Molly Gold, Education Project Manager, National Conference of State Legislators
- Mr. Jonathan Butcher, Acting Director of the Center for Education Policy, Heritage Foundation
“AI represents a significant opportunity to enhance teaching and learning, provided it is implemented thoughtfully, responsibly and based on evidence,” Dr. Ingo Witzke, Director of Mathematics Didactics, University of Siegen. “AI has the potential to significantly enhance education but only if it shaped by educators, grounded in research, and implemented with care.”
“The foundation for advances in AI tools for education have depended upon federal support for research and the development of the infrastructure that enables data informed learning models,” said Richard Scheines, Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University. “Continued investment in research and an alignment of infrastructure capabilities to support robust evaluation of AI education programs.”
Wednesday’s informational meeting can be viewed here. Testimony submitted for Wednesday’s informational meeting can be found here.
Additional information about this and other House Education Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/educationcommittee.