Khanmigo, which runs on OpenAI’s GPT4, is an AI tutor that has been implemented on Khan Academy
Source: Quartz
AI tutors are not just a futuristic idea but a reality that is transforming online learning for students and teachers. In this blog post, I will comment on the article “Every student will have their own AI tutor, says Khan Academy’s founder” by Michelle Cheng, published on Quartz on September 8, 2023.
The article reports on the launch of Khanmigo, an AI tutor powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4, that is integrated into Khan Academy’s free online lessons. Khanmigo can provide students personalized support, feedback, and guidance as they watch videos or practice exercises on various subjects. It can also help teachers create lesson plans and engage students in creative activities such as debating or conversing with historical figures.
The article quotes Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, who predicts that AI tutors will be as commonplace as computers and tablets in the future. He also explains how Khanmigo is trained on Khan Academy’s content, which reduces the risk of generating false or inaccurate information. The article also mentions that Khanmigo costs $9 a month, which helps cover the computing costs and supports Khan Academy’s mission to provide free education to everyone.
This article is informative and interesting, showcasing how AI can enhance online learning and make it more accessible and engaging. I also think that Khanmigo is an innovative and promising tool that can help students learn at their own pace and level, and teachers deliver more personalized and effective instruction. However, I also have some questions and concerns about AI tutors’ potential challenges and limitations.
Some of the questions I have are:
- How can AI tutors ensure the quality and reliability of their responses, especially when dealing with complex or controversial topics?
- How can AI tutors foster critical thinking and creativity among students rather than just providing answers or hints?
- How can AI tutors respect the privacy and security of students’ data and interactions?
- How can AI tutors complement, rather than replace, human teachers and mentors?
Some of the concerns I have are:
- -The ethical and social implications of using AI to influence students’ learning and behavior
- The potential bias or discrimination that AI tutors may exhibit or reinforce
- The digital divide and inequality that may arise from the access and affordability of AI tutors
- The psychological and emotional effects of interacting with AI tutors on students’ motivation, confidence, and well-being
In conclusion, I think that AI tutors are a powerful and exciting technology that can revolutionize online learning, but they also pose significant challenges and risks that need to be addressed carefully and responsibly. I hope that this article sparks more discussion and research on this topic and that Khan Academy continues to develop and improve Khanmigo with the best interests of students and teachers in mind.