Khan Academy Pilots GPT-4 AI Tutor to Prevent a New Digital Divide
Khan Academy is launching a limited pilot of a GPT-4-powered tutoring tool to ensure equal access to AI in education. The nonprofit aims to prevent a deeper digital divide by carefully testing this technology with select districts.
Khan Academy is launching a small pilot program for a new AI learning tool powered by GPT-4, aiming to provide equal access to advanced educational technology. Founder Sal Khan reports that recent demonstrations to public school administrators yield highly positive reactions, with educators noting that the technology aligns with their goal of creating thinkers. The nonprofit organization views the current state of AI as a critical juncture that determines whether society amplifies its benefits equally or allows a new digital divide to take root.
When carefully adapted to a learning environment, GPT-4 shows enormous potential by acting as a personal tutor that guides students through courses and asks them helpful questions. The AI technology also assists teachers by handling administrative tasks, which saves valuable time and allows educators to focus directly on their students. Khan Academy acknowledges that the technology is still nascent and prone to errors, including math mistakes and hallucinations, meaning there is still a long way to go before it is perfect.
To test these possibilities responsibly, Khan Academy invites its district partners to opt in to Khan Labs, a new space dedicated to testing learning technology. The pilot is currently available only to a limited number of teachers, students, and donors as the organization explores the potential of AI in education. As a nonprofit, Khan Academy feels a strong responsibility to work deeply with this new technology, keeping its focus entirely on students, teachers, and administrators rather than corporate profits.