Sal Khan has big dreams for AI in education. Are they too big?

Sal Khan Has Big Dreams for AI in Education. Are They Too Big?

Around four decades ago, a small study created quite a buzz in education circles. It claimed that the right kind of tutoring could propel average students to the top of their class, sparking a pursuit of these remarkable gains by educators and tech leaders alike.

One such advocate is Sal Khan, a prominent figure championing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. His nonprofit developed an AI chatbot, and in a TED Talk last year, Khan highlighted the transformative potential of AI tutoring. He referred to a 1984 study, suggesting AI could turn an average student into an exceptional one.

However, a recent paper from Education Next, a Harvard-affiliated policy journal, challenges the feasibility of such ambitions. The 1984 results, it argues, were outliers based on subjects unfamiliar to students, making rapid learning gains more achievable. Critics worry that the current enthusiasm for AI in education might lead to disappointment if goals are overly ambitious.

Khan acknowledges the aspirational nature of these large gains but attests to the transformative power of tutoring. In 2023, his nonprofit launched Khanmigo, an AI chatbot for schools powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT, aiming to provide tutoring and lesson-planning support.

Khan's journey began in 2008 when he started Khan Academy, leveraging video-based instruction. Despite initial success, enthusiasm for this approach waned due to challenges in engaging all students online. Khan now advocates embedding Khan Academy in the school day.

Executives at OpenAI approached Khan in 2022, leading to the launch of Khanmigo in 2023. The bot, powered by ChatGPT, offers tutoring and support for teachers. Despite Khan citing the 1984 study for inspiration, he acknowledges that immediate gains comparable to those results may not be achievable, emphasizing a gradual process.

Teachers using Khanmigo have provided mixed feedback. While some find it beneficial for tasks like brainstorming essay topics and creating rubrics, others note its limitations, especially with lower-proficiency and lower-motivation students.

Khanmigo is currently being piloted in several districts as a work in progress. The AI competitive grant pilot in Indiana, spearheaded by Education Secretary Katie Jenner, aims to evaluate the success of Khanmigo. Discussions are ongoing with other states for potential widespread adoption in the next school year.

Despite doubts about AI's ability to lead to dramatic learning gains, some teachers believe it has the potential to be a game-changer. The debate continues, with various stakeholders exploring AI's role in revolutionizing education.