As artificial intelligence advances, Schuylkill schools keep students up to speed – Pottsville Republican Herald
Publish Date: 2026-02-26 00:32:00
Source Domain: www.republicanherald.com
- Instructor Brian Gardner uses artificial intelligence (AI) extensively in his teaching to improve writing, enhance instruction, create assignments, design interactive activities, and explore varied course delivery methods.
- Spread across fields: AI’s impact will be felt by students across all majors, not just in IT and cybersecurity, as institutions strive to integrate AI instruction into various types of courses.
- Institutional Response: Colleges and high schools in Schuylkill County are working to incorporate AI training to keep up with technology advancements, including setting rules for the acceptable use of AI.
- Responsible use: Schools are emphasizing the ethical use of AI, including teaching students how to cite AI-generated information and discouraging plagiarism, as part of broader digital citizenship education.
- Adaptation to change: Schuylkill Technology Center is pivoting to prepare students for future, non-existent jobs by teaching skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. Specific trades, such as HVAC, also benefit from AI training.
- Teacher preparation: School districts like North Schuylkill have initiated extensive teacher training on responsible AI use to ensure students can effectively and ethically use AI tools in academics and future careers.
- Early STEM exposure: Shenandoah Valley School District is embedding AI and other technologies early in the curriculum, starting with basic coding in elementary school and advancing to robotics and design by middle school.
- Integration efforts: Alvernia University is rapidly incorporating AI across its curriculum, planning new degree programs, and ensuring all students become AI literate to meet emerging workforce demands.
