Personalizing Early Learning

AI is bringing one-on-one tutoring to every child’s fingertips. By using smart software that adapts to each student’s pace, early learners can get help exactly when and how they need it—much like having a personal tutor in their pocket. AI Tutors in Action Programs like Khan Academy’s Khanmigo are already being tested by hundreds of thousands of U.S. students. Khanmigo asks guiding questions and hints instead of just giving answers, helping kids think through problems on their own. In reading, the Amira tutor listens to children read aloud and offers instant tips on tricky words. Schools using Amira have seen students improve by a full reading level after a few months of regular use. Learning Gains That Matter Decades of research show that human tutors can double a student’s learning speed compared to classroom-only instruction (the famous “two-sigma” effect). Early studies of AI tutors are showing similar promise. A math-focused AI tutor in U.S. schools helped students learn twice as much math in one semester as their classmates who didn’t use it. In Nigeria, an AI-guided after-school program boosted test scores by about 0.3 standard deviations in just six weeks—roughly equal to two years of normal learning progress. Supporting Teachers, Too AI isn’t here to replace teachers but to free them from routine tasks. Nearly half of U.S. teachers now use AI to generate lesson ideas, quizzes, and worksheets, giving them more time for small-group instruction and creativity. Experts like Rose Luckin emphasize that AI should handle administrative work so teachers can focus on mentoring, inspiring, and building relationships with their students. Voices Shaping the Future Sal Khan of Khan Academy calls AI “the biggest positive transformation” in education, because it can deliver high-quality tutoring at scale while letting teachers do what they do best—connect with students. Bill Gates predicts that, soon, AI will tutor kids as effectively as the best human teachers, helping millions who can’t afford private tutors. At the same time, researchers warn that AI must be used thoughtfully, with strong training for teachers and safeguards to protect students’ data and ensure equitable access. Looking Ahead As AI tutors become smarter, they may diagnose why a student is stuck and offer tailored practice, track classroom understanding in real time, and even support learners with special needs. The challenge will be making these tools available in all schools and keeping the human touch at the heart of education. If we get it right, every child could learn at their own pace, and every teacher could have an AI assistant—unlocking a new era where personalized learning is the norm, not the exception.