Decoder with Nilay Patel Sal Khan is hopeful that AI won't destroy education
242 snips
Sep 8, 2025 
Sal Khan, the visionary founder and CEO of Khan Academy, discusses the dramatic shifts in online education post-pandemic. He shares insights on AI's potential to revolutionize learning while highlighting the deep, irreplaceable connections teachers foster with students. Sal reflects on the evolution of Khan Academy and its mission to democratize education, emphasizing innovative approaches like peer-to-peer learning and ethical AI use. Amid the rise of technology, he remains hopeful that AI can enhance, rather than undermine, meaningful educational experiences.
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Mission-Driven Shift To Platform And Schools
- Khan Academy's mission stays the same: free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
- The organization shifted from videos to a software platform and school district partnerships to scale impact.
Scaling An Institution, Not Just Content
- Sal frames Khan Academy as a potential global learning institution akin to Oxford but scalable and affordable.
- He emphasizes systems (software, AI, credentials, peer support) to raise both the ceiling and the floor of education.
Why Khan Academy Chose Nonprofit
- Sal recounts early VC meetings where investors suggested monetization and equity to scale.
- He chose nonprofit status to preserve mission and wide access instead of chasing investor-driven models.
