Brave New Words: A Brave New Frontier or Educational Dystopia?

A few weeks ago, I was working on applications for summer programs when I came across a question: “Have you used ChatGPT or any other AI program to answer any questions on this application? ”. This question caught me off guard at first, but it wasn't surprising since I've witnessed firsthand how many students have used AI tools like ChatGPT, Brainly, or Chegg to help with essays and homework assignments. Since the release of ChatGPT in early 2023, I have believed it is a harmful tool and felt convinced it would hinder student growth and knowledge. I would have regular discussions with my parents on this topic. A few days back, they told me to read  Salman Khan's new book, "Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That's a Good Thing)." Salman (Sal) Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, a website that is an integral part of my education, claimed that what I thought was a negative technology would be the key to advancing knowledge in ways I could have never imagined. I was intrigued by this and decided to read the book.

One aspect of this book that stood out for me was Sal Khan's writing style. Instead of just giving lots of information all at once, he presented with scenarios - a curious 9-year-old, a stressed-out teacher, and even himself. He used these scenarios to showcase the widespread impact AI can have in teaching and learning, and it helped me understand how influential this technology could be. Reading the book made me wish I had an AI tutor by my side to help me through challenging homework problems that I usually spend hours struggling with or inspire me to start my essays when I experience writer's block.

One class I struggled with a lot this year was AP Chemistry, mostly because I needed a resource that would always be there to answer my questions and help me through topics when my teacher wasn't available; I usually had to work problems out myself or research to find out why answers were correct. The AI software, "Khanmigo," that Sal introduces in this book would have helped me since it would teach me in a way that I could understand, without giving me answers but allowing me to ask as many questions as I need and helping the thought process. 

Sal Khan uses the example of trying to understand how Ozempic, a diabetes drug, operated. When he asked the chatbot what it was, it didn't answer the question straight up; instead, the AI replied with,

 "Ozempic, huh? It's a medicine! But do you know what it's used for?" 

I found this response riveting, as it embodies an effective learning style—one that is interactive and fosters discussions between teachers and students rather than the teacher simply answering questions. Having this resource at my disposal would enhance my understanding of chemistry and any other subject. The book illuminated the potential of AI to significantly improve my proficiency in class material and transform education in the years to come, instilling a sense of hope and optimism in me.

However, there were some features of this book I did not enjoy. Sal Khan portrays a very optimistic outlook on the role of AI in education without offering solutions to potential downsides such as reduced student-student-teacher interaction, overdependence on technology, and inequitable access. It sometimes felt like an extended advertisement for Khanmigo and Khan Academy. For example, on page 11 of the book, he writes, "...we realized [Khanmigo] could enhance and enrich every learning domain - including writing, comprehension, math, science, coding, and art in ways no other tool can or does." While I understand that Sal would highlight his creations, his promotional tone detracted from the broader discussion about AI in education. Though I agree that Khanmigo's AI tool will be a game-changer in education, I didn't particularly appreciate how he didn't acknowledge how other AI models have the potential to do what he can do as well. I wanted a complete, comprehensive overview of other innovative AI tools in education, but instead, it felt like I had just learned about one. 

As a final note, reading Brave New Words was an eye-opening experience. I had the opportunity to see a glimpse of what the future could be like in education and how it could benefit students in their educational journey. It excites and intrigues me to see whether Sal's predictions will come true and whether the world will change to incorporate AI into education, as he says. The book changed my opinion on technology in the educational field, with the caveat that there is no misuse of this technology. Overall, the book was highly informative and engaging, and I would recommend it to anyone curious about the future of AI in education and its role in shaping future generations.