Book Review: Salman Khan’s Brave New Words
- Dominique Robertson
- Jun 21, 2024
- 6 min read
I just finished reading "Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education and Why" by Salman Khan and rushed to open up my ChatGPT4Omni assistant “Pete” to begin the process of shaping my thoughts to write this article. I started with taking pictures of all the sections of the book I highlighted and wrote my notes on and fed it over to Pete. Then, using the “listening” mode I babbled as many thoughts as I could and asked Pete to pick out the themes and receipt them back to me. I adjusted and added more, and then did that a few more times. Things went on like this until we came up with this following piece and call to active discussion:
I loved Salman Khan’s book.
At the outset, I wasn’t sure if I would. I didn’t know what to expect, but he approached the integration ChatGPT-4 into Khan Academy and the curiosity and questions that lead up it exactly as an awesome instructional designer would. What can I say- he had me at “Hello – I want to solve the 2- sigma problem… for everyone, and AI can help me and us to do it”. This book is a timely exploration of the potential of AI in transforming education and, if I were to take it a step further…. Everything.
Let’s break down some key elements without spoiling anything.
Transparency and Personalization in AI Tutors
Khan envisions AI from an educator's perspective, focusing on how AI tutors will be able to provide personalized learning experiences within the boundaries of certain set parameters. Students will be able to see and modify what the AI is learning about them, allowing for a more customized and effective learning journey. At the same time, teachers will be able to keep track of how students are engaging with the AI and where areas of more support are needed. This transparency will not only build trust but also empower students to have far more agency. Like Khan, I envision students being empowered by these tools, taking charge of their learning, and engaging deeply with the material. That’s every instructional designer’s ultimate goal.
Khan has already achieved a significant level of AI integration with KanMingo in the United States, though it hasn't been released in Canada yet. I am currently using KanMingo Lite through ChatGPT4 Omni, and it’s working wonderfully. When the ChatGPT4Omni release video went out on YouTube a few weeks back- I was blown away with how the AI was conversationally engaging with Khan’s son while completing a short triangle related math problem. Khan’s AI is designed to engage students in Socratic questioning, pushing them to think critically and deeply about the material.
This method ensures that students are not just passively receiving information but are actively engaged in the learning process while receiving immediate feedback. When attributes like the ease of conversation, subtleties in tone, humor and sarcasm are brought into the mix – anyone working with the AI assistants will peak at the Goldilocks zone, or the proximal development. This refers to the balance between challenge and skill level, where tasks are neither too easy nor too difficult, promoting optimal learning and growth – or optimal flow.
Imagine achieving this every time you engage with…. Well… anything!
Enhancing Critical Thinking and Engagement
While Khan’s book focuses primarily on transforming standardized education, he also touches on the impact in other areas, such as the world of work. I think this AI assisted approach to learning will extend beyond school to all areas of life, including starting new jobs, pursuing hobbies, and adapting to new environments. AI can help individuals learn about anything that interests them, pushing their highest passions and creating a continuous, interconnected learning journey – true, lifelong learning at the highest levels of personal engagement.
Imagine what that would look like!
As an instructional designer and educator, the idea of lifelong learning and critical thinking is the very raison d'être of our field. It’s why we do what we do. With AI technology, I believe as Khan does that we can finally achieve this goal. In my own experience, I see immense potential in AI's ability to provide real-time feedback and support to students. It’s about more than delivering content; it’s about fostering a deeper understanding and mastery of subjects, which aligns perfectly with my belief in the power of education to unlock human potential.
AI’s Impact on Writing and Education
One of the more controversial aspects of AI in education is its impact on writing and academic integrity. Salman Khan addresses these concerns head-on, discussing the potential for AI tools like ChatGPT to be used for cheating. However, he suggests that instead of viewing this as a negative and too short-term, we should consider how AI can fundamentally change how we approach teaching, writing and critical thinking in the long term.
Khan argues that the presence of AI in writing tasks should push us to raise the bar for skill and competency requirements. With AI providing assistance, students can reach higher standards of writing and critical thinking. This perspective shifts the focus from fearing technological misuse to leveraging AI to enhance educational outcomes. If we have the tools on a more level playing field, let’s use them to raise the bar as high as it can go.
Reframing the Role of AI in Education
Khan's hopeful (but far from naïve) view on the potential for AI to fundamentally change not only the educational landscape, but how we do everything rings throughout the pages of his book. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, Khan suggests that we see it as a powerful tool to enhance the teaching and learning experience. He argues that AI will never replace human teachers but will instead amplify their abilities. They’ll work alongside teachers and providing students with individualized support while teachers oversee the learning process. This hybrid approach ensures that students receive the best of both worlds: the personalized, immediate feedback from AI and the human touch and expertise from their teachers.
I resonate deeply with this perspective. The integration of AI into education is not just about improving academic outcomes. It’s about preparing students for a future where AI is ubiquitous. Teaching students how to use AI effectively will be as important as teaching them traditional subjects, because soon those subjects will no longer be siloed – AI will be able to integrate the seamlessly in ways the resonate deeply with all learners. This dual focus on academic and practical AI skills will equip students to navigate and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
As Khan says – the genie is out of the bottle and there’s nothing that’s going to be able to stuff it back in. Khan's book is a call to action to embrace AI's potential for education and humanity. By reframing our approach to AI in education, we can turn potential risks into opportunities for profound improvement and innovation… like in Star Trek. There could never be a discussion about human potential without bringing up the ideal vision of humanity in Star Trek (#NerdsRule). A vision of humanity that is innovative, focused on research, better equipped to tackle large-scale problems (i.e. climate change and saving our planet), and infinitely curious leaning towards the good.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in our future and where we are headed.
Khan’s call to action goes beyond changing education; it is a call to revolutionize our approach to lifelong learning. As we stand on the cusp of these monumental changes, it’s crucial that we not only acknowledge the potential of AI but actively work towards integrating it in a way that benefits all learners throughout their lives.
I encourage everyone to be proactive and aware of the changes that are coming. Many people are going about their daily routines without realizing the wave of transformation headed their way. When it hits, those who are unprepared will be… well…gobsmacked to put it bluntly. We should do everything we can to be ready for this transitionary period, embracing AI as a tool to enhance our lifelong learning and personal development. We can either ride the wave or be overtaken by it. I hear surfing is tough but when you get it, there’s nothing like it on earth.
I invite everyone to join this conversation and share their thoughts.
Should we/How can we use AI to revolutionize our approach to lifelong learning?
Can we/should we shape a future where technology empowers us to achieve our highest potential?
Instead of asking what’s the worst that could happen, can we ask what's the BEST that could happen?
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