OpenAI and Khan Academy: Learning with AI

In early 2021, Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, was invited by Greg Brockman of OpenAI to explore ChatGPT, a new AI technology. Mr. Khan was hesitant. At the time, OpenAI was a relatively unknown research lab, and ChatGPT-3, the AI model, was in its infancy, often making mistakes. Mr. Khan declined the offer.

Mr. Khan is renowned for his contributions to education. Since establishing Khan Academy in 2008 as a nonprofit, his platform has grown to include thousands of video lessons and exercises across various subjects. The academy aims to provide a free, high-quality education globally, benefiting around 190 million users. In the U.S., approximately 800 school districts integrate its tools into their curricula. Mr. Khan’s success bolsters the argument that the internet can be a force for good, attracting interest from companies eager to associate with his credibility.

In the summer of 2022, Mr. Brockman, alongside co-founder Sam Altman, approached Mr. Khan again. This time, their communication was less direct. Mr. Khan, along with Kristen DiCerbo, Khan Academy’s chief learning officer, signed a nondisclosure agreement and attended a Zoom meeting. They were among the first to learn about the existence of GPT-4, the next iteration of AI technology, far surpassing its predecessor’s capabilities.

Mr. Khan immediately recognized GPT-4’s potential. It could accurately answer and explain complex questions, like those from A.P. Biology, and generate varied exam questions. Although the technology wasn’t flawless, Mr. Khan saw its significance and the impact it could have on education.

OpenAI aimed to launch GPT-4 within six months. Mr. Brockman proposed that Khan Academy release an AI tutoring bot simultaneously, designed for student use on laptops. This collaboration marked a pivotal moment in integrating AI into educational tools.