The House Education and Workforce Committee held a hearing on the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on education, job training, and the workforce. The session marked the beginning of a series intended to explore AI's growing role in these areas.
Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) opened the hearing by outlining how AI is already making an impact. "AI tools are already helping teachers reduce administrative burdens, better personalize learning, and free up more time to engage directly with students. For workers, AI can help build new skills, increase efficiency, and accelerate on-the-job learning. As a result, employers can expect productivity gains that contribute to economic growth," he said.
Adeel Khan, Founder & CEO of MagicSchool AI, responded to questions from Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) about student data protection and maintaining critical thinking skills when using AI. Khan stated: "We believe…that if a student isn’t introduced to generative AI in a school building, they will inevitability be introduced to generative AI in a different way…I think everyone in this room would agree that you’d prefer the first time a child interacts with generative AI it’s under the guidance of a teacher who’s teaching them about how it works, [and] the risks and benefits of using generative AI."
Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA) asked about affordability concerns related to AI adoption. Kevin Frazier, an AI Innovation & Law Fellow at the University of Texas Law School, cited an example: "The University of Texas at Houston Health System used AI to predict when folks were going to miss their appointments. They saved $250,000 in one quarter. Many Americans can’t afford health care—we should be exploring…how we can automate and improve scribing and so many activities that increase our medical costs."
Chaya Nayak from OpenAI discussed educational benefits during an exchange with Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO). She referenced research outcomes: "A study from Harvard University found that a physics class that had a tailored curriculum that was focused on using ChatGPT…doubled [student] engagement and actually improved their problem-solving skills."
Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) raised questions about workforce training rather than displacement due to automation. Nayak replied: "What we are doing is providing a foundation of certifications, we’re partnering with governments, we’re partnering with employers to think about how those certifications can enter into their workflow…[and] lead to jobs."
On supporting students with disabilities through technology, Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) received this response from Mr. Khan: "When AI is informed with the needs of the child…the interaction they have with the technology can be even more personalized to the needs that they have."
Republican committee members indicated they plan further examination into expanding opportunities through AI while focusing on safety measures around privacy and accountability.
