AI can tutor students – with a teacher’s help, says Khan Academy founder

August 8, 2026 - 12:39

Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, believes artificial intelligence has real potential to transform how students learn, though he admits the road has been bumpier than he first imagined. In recent comments, Khan said AI can serve as a powerful tutoring tool, but only when paired with active teacher involvement. He stressed that technology should not replace educators, but rather support them in reaching students who need extra help.

Khan pointed out that early versions of AI tutoring systems struggled with accuracy and understanding student intent. However, he remains optimistic about the progress being made. The key, he argues, is designing AI that works alongside teachers, not in place of them. Teachers can guide the AI, interpret its suggestions, and provide the human connection that machines cannot replicate.

His remarks come as schools across the country experiment with AI tools in classrooms, sparking debates about cheating, privacy, and the future of education. Khan believes these concerns are valid but manageable. He suggests that with proper training and clear guidelines, AI can help close learning gaps, especially for students who lack access to private tutors.

Khan sees a future where AI handles repetitive drills and basic explanations, freeing teachers to focus on deeper discussions and personalized mentorship. But he warns that without teacher oversight, AI tools risk becoming just another distraction. The best results, he says, will come from a partnership, not a takeover.