【當日免費】 (11/09) A Powerful Partnership 作夥拚教育
Education
Introduction
A Powerful Partnership in Education
On November 9th, education enthusiasts gathered to learn more about the powerful partnership formed between Khan Academy and Microsoft. Khan Academy, known for its extensive collection of educational videos on various topics including science and history, is not an accredited academic institution, yet it has become a reputable resource for learners seeking to deepen their educational knowledge. The collaboration between these two organizations aims to harness Microsoft’s AI infrastructure to assist school teachers, providing them with tools that can streamline their workload. This initiative is focused specifically on helping educators rather than providing AI access to students.
This partnership is positioned to alleviate the hours teachers typically spend on administrative and preparatory work outside of classroom hours. According to Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, there is a potential reduction in the time teachers dedicate to this work; "We are hoping that 10 to 20 hours can look a lot more like 1 to 5 hours" with the support of AI tools.
The advantages of using AI technology in education were discussed, emphasizing the careful implementation needed for effective outcomes. Although AI can enhance productivity, it requires initial investment in time to learn how to utilize these tools properly.
Kevin Scott, Microsoft's Chief Technical Officer, underscored the significance of AI technology in education, indicating that organizations like Khan Academy have developed AI-powered tools that act like personal tutors for students. These tools are designed to support students through the learning process, providing guidance and essential tips for refining their work instead of doing it for them. The comfort of using AI as a tutor alleviates the pressure students may feel when asking questions, enabling them to seek assistance at any time without fear of judgment.
Scott’s experiences growing up in pre-internet rural Virginia highlighted the disparities in accessing information and learning opportunities compared to today's technologically advanced society. He emphasized that AI technology is giving an edge to younger generations, including his daughter, a high school freshman interested in biochemistry, who uses ChatGPT to navigate and understand research papers.
In the next phase of their collaboration, Microsoft and Khan Academy plan to develop AI tutoring tools specifically for math, a subject area that generative AI has often found challenging. The software will utilize Microsoft’s compact and efficient small language models that are cheaper to implement and may run locally on devices, making educational resources more accessible to students.
Khan Academy will also integrate its educational material into Microsoft’s resources, ensuring that content from Khan Academy features prominently in AI responses to students’ inquiries. Sal Khan advocates for the integration of Khan Academy content, stating that it would provide students with healthier and more relevant resources compared to other sources. He recognizes that while their content is valuable, it does not constitute a complete education on its own; rather, it should serve as a complement to a broader educational experience.
In conclusion, the partnership between Khan Academy and Microsoft is set to revolutionize educational practices, promising to create a more productive and efficient environment for teachers and students alike. As the role of AI continues to expand in educational settings, these innovative tools aim to enhance learning experiences while fostering a culture of curiosity and inquiry.
Keyword
- Khan Academy
- Microsoft
- AI Infrastructure
- Education
- Teachers
- Productivity
- Tutoring Tools
- Biochemistry
- Language Models
- Intellectual Property
FAQ
1. What is the partnership between Khan Academy and Microsoft about?
The partnership aims to leverage Microsoft’s AI infrastructure to develop tools that assist teachers in their work, improving productivity and streamlining administrative tasks.
2. How does AI benefit teachers according to the article?
AI can help reduce the time teachers spend on administrative and preparatory work, potentially condensing 10-20 hours of work into just 1-5 hours, allowing teachers to focus more on instruction.
3. What is the role of small language models?
Small language models are more compact and less computationally intensive than large language models, making them cheaper to use and able to run on local devices, thus enhancing accessibility for students.
4. How does AI assist students in learning?
AI tools developed by Khan Academy function like personal tutors that guide students through problem-solving and offer tips for improving their work without simply doing the assignments for them.
5. Why is the incorporation of Khan Academy’s materials into Microsoft’s tools important?
Integrating Khan Academy’s educational resources ensures that students receive valuable content and support while using AI, promoting a healthier and more effective learning experience.
