
Khan Academy founder Sal Khan on AI and the future of education
WorkLife with Adam GrantMon Aug 14 2023
The Origins of Khan Academy:
- Sal Khan reflects on his interest in reinventing education, which began during middle school and high school when he noticed flaws in traditional teaching methods.
- He saw the impact that one-on-one support had on students' learning and realized the potential for personalized education.
The Role of AI in Education:
- Sal discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance education by providing personalized support to students and teachers.
- He emphasizes the importance of using technology as a tool rather than replacing human interaction, allowing for more active learning experiences.
Khanmigo:
- Sal introduces "Khanmigo," an AI-powered tutoring platform developed by Khan Academy. It aims to provide additional support to students and teachers.
- The AI tutor engages with students through dialogue, prompting them to explain their reasoning, think critically, and explore different approaches to problem-solving.
Customization and Feedback:
- Sal highlights the need for customization in education and how AI can assist by tailoring content and activities based on individual student needs.
- The AI tutor also acts as a writing coach, helping students improve their writing skills by providing feedback on logic, grammar, or style.
Psychological Safety and Student Engagement:
- Sal discusses how AI assistants like Conmigo create psychological safety for learners who may feel embarrassed or judged when asking questions in a classroom setting.
- By fostering a supportive environment, students are more likely to engage actively with their learning material.
Challenges of Implementing AI in Education:
- Both Sal and Adam discuss potential challenges such as addressing biases in AI systems, ensuring student privacy, and balancing reliance on technology with human connections.
Mastery Learning vs. Test Scores:
- They explore the concept of mastery learning, where emphasis is placed on understanding subjects deeply rather than solely focusing on test scores and grades.
- Sal explains that mastery in education involves providing students with opportunities to practice, improve, and ultimately achieve a high level of comprehension.
The Future of Education:
- Both speakers express their hopes for the future of education, envisioning a world where advanced mathematics and critical thinking skills are intuitive for students.
- They stress the importance of leveraging AI tools to upskill students in order to meet the demands of an evolving world.