Pen Argyl Navigates the Rise of Artificial Intelligence

By Matthew Hendricks

Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly common in schools worldwide, raising opportunities and concerns within the Pen Argyl Area School District.

According to Dr. Mike Peck, AI is likely to play a major role in the future. emphasizing the need for both students and educators to understand how it works and how it can be used effectively.

He described AI as “one of the most important technologies of our time."

Peck explained that the district’s goal is not to avoid AI, but to integrate it thoughtfully into classrooms. Peck compared the current moment to the early days of the internet, when schools had to adapt to new technology and figure out how it could support teaching and learning.

Students are already beginning to use AI tools for writing, research, and studying. While these tools can help generate ideas and provide quick feedback, they have also raised questions about academic integrity. Peck said the key issue is not whether students use AI, but how they use it. He also added that AI should support deeper thinking rather than simply completing students' assignments.

Brett Kunkle, a teacher here at Pen Argyl High School has a great view on AI and how it can be used in classes like his.

 Kunkle stated, “I have seen the majority of students who are using AI, for the lowest level of its use” 

Kunkle suggested that students should do their research to effectively use it as a tool.

 One path someone can look into researching the proper way to use AI in class is by looking over Pen Argyl’s official policy on AI in the student handbook.

Peck states, “We also created a student handbook that gets more specific about things like academic integrity, expectations, and levels of use.”

To address these concerns, the district has developed policies and guidelines for AI use. These include expectations for academic honesty, acceptable use, and student safety. A student handbook has also been created to provide clearer guidance on how AI can be used responsibly in schoolwork.

Teachers are also adjusting to the rise of AI by rethinking assignments and assessments. Peck suggested that educators may need to focus more on critical thinking and in-class work to better measure student understanding.

In addition to academic concerns, privacy remains an important issue. Some AI tools collect user data, and the district is working to ensure that any tools used in classrooms meet safety standards.

Despite these challenges, Peck believes AI is already part of everyday life, pointing to tools like search engines, GPS, and writing assistants. As AI continues to evolve, Peck expects it to become an even more visible part of education.

As the Pen Argyl Area School District continues to adapt, administrators, teachers, and students are working to find a balance between using new technology and maintaining academic integrity.