Book Review: Brave New Words – How AI is Transforming Education

By Sean Connick | Published: 20th March 2025

This week, we thought we would begin a series of book reviews about EdTech, and we’re kicking things off with Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education and Why That’s a Good Thing by Salman Khan. This review is not paid for but reflects my own thoughts.

Salman Khan’s Brave New Words is a groundbreaking exploration of how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education, human potential, and the way we engage with knowledge in the digital age. As the founder of Khan Academy, Salman Khan has already played a pivotal role in transforming how millions of students learn worldwide, and in this book, he takes his vision even further. With a rare combination of deep technical insight and a warm, engaging writing style, Khan presents a compelling, optimistic, and highly practical take on how AI can be harnessed for the greater good.

In a world where AI is often framed as a threat—whether to jobs, education, or even human intelligence—Khan flips the narrative. Instead of fearing AI as a replacement for teachers or a force of automation that diminishes human creativity, he sees it as an unprecedented opportunity to level the playing field in education. AI, he argues, is not here to replace teachers but to enhance their ability to reach every student with a personalized, effective, and engaging learning experience.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible and relatable way. Khan demystifies AI, explaining how machine learning, large language models, and adaptive learning systems work in ways that any reader—regardless of their background in technology—can grasp. He makes the case that AI-powered tools, when designed and implemented thoughtfully, can provide highly individualized learning experiences tailored to each student’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and pace. This could be the key to overcoming long-standing educational barriers such as one-size-fits-all curriculums, socioeconomic disparities, and access to high-quality teaching.

Khan doesn’t just focus on AI’s potential in education—he expands the conversation to explore how learning itself is evolving in the face of technological advancements. He discusses how the skills needed for success in the future workforce will shift, emphasizing the increasing importance of creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. While traditional education systems often focus on rote memorization and standardized testing, Khan argues that AI can help shift the focus toward real-world problem-solving, innovation, and lifelong learning.

A particularly powerful aspect of Brave New Words is its emphasis on accessibility and equity. Khan envisions a future where every student—regardless of where they live, their financial background, or their learning style—has access to an education that meets their needs. He explores how AI can bridge the gap for underserved communities, providing high-quality tutoring and instruction to students who might not otherwise have access to top-tier education. This is not just a theoretical idea; Khan provides concrete examples of how AI-powered education is already transforming learning for millions of students around the world.

Of course, Khan is not naive about the challenges AI presents. He acknowledges the ethical concerns surrounding AI in education, including issues of bias, data privacy, and the digital divide. However, instead of using these challenges as reasons to resist AI’s integration into learning, he presents them as problems that need to be solved thoughtfully and collaboratively. He calls upon educators, policymakers, and technologists to take responsibility for ensuring that AI is developed and implemented in a way that benefits all learners, rather than exacerbating existing inequalities.

Another standout feature of the book is its inspiring and practical tone. Khan isn’t just presenting a theoretical vision of the future—he’s laying out actionable steps for how we can shape AI-driven education to be ethical, effective, and empowering. He provides concrete recommendations for teachers on how to integrate AI into their classrooms, for parents on how to help their children thrive in an AI-enhanced learning environment, and for students on how to cultivate the skills that will matter most in the coming decades.

Brave New Words is not just a book about AI and education—it’s a book about human potential. It challenges readers to rethink what learning could look like in the future and encourages them to embrace a mindset of curiosity, adaptability, and optimism. Whether you’re an educator looking to stay ahead of the curve, a parent wondering how AI will impact your child’s future, a student preparing for an ever-changing job market, or simply someone interested in the intersection of technology and learning, this book is an absolute must-read.

Salman Khan has once again proven why he is one of the most important voices in modern education. With Brave New Words, he delivers a powerful, thought-provoking, and deeply inspiring book that will leave readers not just informed, but genuinely excited about the future of learning. AI is not something to fear—it’s something to harness, and Khan provides a roadmap for doing just that.

It is highly recommended reading for anyone in our industry. If you have a suggestion for a book to review next, feel free to drop us a message!

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