AI Requires a Lens of Educated Bravery
A review of Sal Khan's latest book: Brave New Words.
Salman Khan, the visionary founder of Khan Academy, has once again proven his dedication to education with his new book, "Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That's a Good Thing)".
Released on May 14, 2024, his book explores the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the educational landscape.
"Brave New Words" delves into how AI and GPT (large language) technologies are poised to transform learning by offering personalized educational experiences tailored to each student's needs. Rather than reacting to this advancing technology with fear, his book seeks to inspire “educated bravery.”
He describes this principle this way:
“[With AI] The future potential of how we learn and teach was changing before my eyes… We were about to write a new story in education, one that was to challenge people to be careful about, but not fearful of, change. Now the world is waking up to the possibility of large language models and what is in store for education. To take advantage of these models requires some creativity and bravery too. Not blind bravery, but something I have started to call educated bravery, a kind of courage that acknowledges the rational trepidation we all face when presented with sudden advances in technology and then informing ourselves about the challenges and potential it presents.”
In this book, Sal covers AI’s interaction with social science, material science, mathematics, student’s mental health, children’s safety, parenting, assessments, college admissions, and the future of work. With that in mind, the book provides a roadmap for educators, parents, and students, outlining practical ways to integrate AI tools into the learning process to foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and adaptability in a digital age. Known for his innovative approach to education, Khan emphasizes that AI's role is not to replace human interaction but to enhance it; he asserts that AI will “team up” with educators, parents, and students to build them up, not “steal the show.”
His passion for artificial intelligence shines with his knowledge of science fiction novels that predicted this advancement of technology far before its time, while also expressing awe at how much farther it has come so quickly. Khan illustrates throughout the book the magic of this technological advancement: highlighting how it opens opportunities for students to converse with historical figures, making history engaging just like films like Lincoln and musicals like Hamilton might; he likens this development in technology to the one that happened when animation moved from being completely hand-drawn to computer-generated. Rather than assuming this will have zero sum outcomes, Khan argues that “creative tools magnify creativity.”
AI is not only magical, but also effective. It can assist students when they need it. He’s partnered with psychologists like Angela Duckworth to ensure that while AI is alongside a student it can encourage a growth mindset, as well as help a student set and meet learning goals. He highlights studies where Khanmigo has improved student confidence. Instead of feeling shameful for asking a “dumb” question in class, students can now ask AI those questions and come to class with a foundational understanding of key concepts, better prepared to dig deeper and collaborate with peers. All of this can be done, while ensuring student’s safety online and with a level of transparency for educators and parents.
A manifesto for the positive of artificial intelligence, this book will inevitably leave readers hopeful about the future alongside this technology and aware of its challenges and limitations. Khan writes,
“Even I find the pace of its development dizzying. But the genie is out of the bottle and the bad actors are not about to slow down because we want them to. Today the good actors have the edge, but it really is a race. The countermeasure for every risk is not slowing down. It is ensuring that those favoring liberty and empowering humanity have better AI than those on the side of chaos and despotism. This moment can be an existential risk or existential opportunity to us.”
Overall, “Brave New Words” combines visionary ideas with practical examples, making a compelling case for the positive impact of AI on learning. Khan offers a brave, actionable vision for harnessing AI's potential to transform education.
For those open to explore how AI can revolutionize education recognizing the dignity of every individual and prepare future generations to achieve their American Dream in an increasingly digital world, "Brave New Words" is an invaluable resource.