Khanmigo and its pioneering role in the educational AI era

Khanmigo – an AI assistant dedicated to education, not only helps students practice critical thinking using the Socratic method but also equips teachers with digital capabilities, contributing to promoting digital transformation of education in Vietnam.

Khanmigo pioneers the use of the Socratic method – the foundation for education in the AI ​​era

In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), when OpenAI launched Study Mode and Google introduced Guided Learning on Gemini, the Socratic method – teaching by asking open-ended, leading questions – is becoming a new standard in education. Instead of giving answers right away, AI forces students to think, analyze and find solutions themselves. This is not only a learning method, but also a path to foster critical thinking, self-learning ability and creativity – core competencies in the digital age.

In fact, this approach is not new. Khan Academy and OpenAI have researched and developed the Socratic approach long before ChatGPT was launched, and have integrated it directly into Khanmigo - Khan Academy's AI teaching and learning companion application. (Sal Khan shared this in the book Brave New Education - How AI Will Revolutionize Education (And Why It's Good?) published in Vietnamese in 2024). The fact that "giants" like OpenAI and Google recently launched this feature simultaneously further confirms that Khanmigo is on the right track and has always played a pioneering role in applying AI to education.

The Socratic Method pioneered by Khan Academy integrated into AI Khanmigo

However, there are concerns that with the emergence of Study Mode (OpenAI) and Guided Learning (Gemini), learners may no longer need Khanmigo. In response to this question, Mr. Do Ngoc Minh - co-founder of Khan Academy Vietnam affirmed: "Khanmigo is not simply a Socratic learning mode. It is part of a complete LCMS (Learning Content Management System), including: learning content, student progress monitoring, as well as close connection between teachers - students - parents." Specifically: For students, Khanmigo knows exactly where they are learning, which parts are difficult, and from there asks appropriate suggestive questions. Instead of giving answers right away, AI helps students find knowledge themselves, creating initiative and confidence. For teachers, Khanmigo integrates 25 support tools: from lesson planning, designing differentiated exercises, to analyzing classroom data. AI helps teachers reduce administrative work, spending more time inspiring and connecting with students. For parents, Khanmigo ensures transparency: there is no extraneous conversation between students and AI. The entire Q&A history is recorded and parents can monitor, ensuring a safe learning environment for their children.

From a global perspective, Emily Goldman – Manager of International Strategy and Operations at Khan Academy emphasized that: “OpenAI and Google’s large-scale rollout of Study Mode and Guided Learning is a very positive sign. This opens up opportunities for university students and self-learners to benefit from this approach, while Khanmigo continues to focus deeply on the K–12 environment.”

Equipping Vietnamese teachers with digital capabilities

In the context that the Ministry of Education and Training is about to issue the Digital Competency Framework for teachers and education managers, Khanmigo is considered an important tool to help teachers practice and improve their technology skills.

According to Mr. Minh, the biggest opportunity is that Vietnamese teachers can access a modern AI tool that is designed to “fit” the general education environment. However, the challenge is not small: “If teachers are not familiar with technology and have not been properly trained, the application of AI will only stop at the experimental level. Therefore, Khan Academy Vietnam focuses on training, support and localizing content so that teachers can confidently use Khanmigo in teaching.”

In fact, since 2023, Khan Academy Vietnam has localized the course “AI in education”, attracting thousands of teachers to participate. This is a fundamental step for teachers to not only know how to use AI, but also understand how to apply it effectively and responsibly in the classroom. This coming November, the Vietnamese version of Khanmigo will officially launch, completely free for teachers – an important milestone in the journey of digital transformation of education.

Khan Academy Vietnam will launch Khanmigo in Vietnamese completely free for teachers

The bottom line, says Emily Goldman, is that Khanmigo helps teachers become smarter leaders in the classroom: “AI doesn’t replace teachers, it gives them a powerful partner. When teachers master technology, students will have richer, more creative, and more personalized learning experiences.”

Mr. Minh also emphasized his expectation: “Khanmigo will help Vietnamese teachers meet the requirements of the Digital Competency Framework, from designing digital learning materials, managing online classrooms, to using AI in student assessment. This is the path to truly in-depth digital transformation of education.”

Khanmigo not only affirms its pioneering role in applying AI to education, but also becomes a practical support tool for Vietnamese teachers to develop digital capacity and adapt well in the AI ​​era. When teachers are equipped with the right tools, students will benefit from a personalized, modern and equitable education in line with the spirit of digital transformation that the education sector is aiming for.

Khan Academy is a global free online learning platform, used by millions of students and teachers every day. Khanmigo has been widely deployed by Khan Academy in the US and more than 70 countries around the world . In Vietnam, Khan Academy Vietnam (KAV), deployed by The Vietnam Foundation, is working closely with Khan Academy global experts and domestic educators to launch the Vietnamese version of Khanmigo for teachers in November 2025. This version fully supports Vietnamese and is completely free - as a thank you to teachers on Vietnamese Teachers' Day, November 20.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/khanmigo-va-su-khang-dinh-vai-tro-tien-phong-trong-thoi-dai-ai-giao-duc-325921.html