Bill Gates wants you to read this AI education book by Salman Amin Khan

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, is known for sharing his reading recommendations, and his latest endorsement focuses on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in education. Gates recently recommended "Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (And Why That’s a Good Thing)," a book by Salman Khan, the founder and CEO of the education nonprofit Khan Academy.The book was published last week and explores how AI can enhance educational outcomes globally.

Gates praised the book on social media platform X, highlighting its compelling vision for leveraging AI to expand educational opportunities. "If you’re passionate about education, you need to read this book," Gates wrote. "Sal offers a compelling vision for harnessing AI to expand opportunity for all".


In "Brave New Words," Khan discusses the potential for AI-powered systems, such as the ChatGPT-driven Khanmigo, to revolutionise education. These systems can assist overworked teachers and customise lessons to meet the needs of individual students. Khanmigo is currently being tested with more than 65,000 students, though it remains in an experimental phase and still makes occasional errors in subjects like math.

Gates has previously spoken about the potential of AI to close the education gap, especially for low-income students in developing countries. During an episode of his "Unconfuse Me" podcast featuring Khan, Gates expressed his belief that AI could function like an exceptional high school teacher, providing detailed feedback and encouraging students to improve their work. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation partially funds Khan Academy, contributing a $1.5 million grant in 2010.

Despite the enthusiasm for AI in education, experts advise parents to remain cautious. Tovah Klein, a child psychologist at Barnard College, noted that while AI tools can be beneficial, they still require oversight to ensure accuracy and reliability. Parents are encouraged to use AI alongside their children to teach them real-time fact-checking skills.
Looking ahead, Gates remains optimistic about the role of AI in education. He envisions significant advancements over the next decade that could raise the overall level of achievement and reduce disparities for lower-income and minority students. "If we think about the next 10 years, these new tools can both close the gap and raise the overall level of achievement," Gates said on his podcast.
Bill Gates’ endorsement of Sal Khan's book underscores the potential for AI to revolutionise education. As technology continues to advance, the integration of AI in educational systems could offer unprecedented opportunities for personalised learning and global educational equity.
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