OpenAI is strategically targeting the education sector for growth, recently appointing Leah Belsky, the former chief revenue officer of Coursera, as its first education general manager.

In spring 2024, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Edu, a specialized version of ChatGPT tailored for university applications.

According to Siya Raj Purohit from OpenAI's education team, the company is exploring the possibility of allowing e-learning instructors to create custom GPTs that can integrate with online curricula.

Purohit envisions that these custom GPTs will be made available for public use, promoting lifelong engagement with educational content.

Some professors are already taking the initiative by uploading extensive course materials to develop custom GPTs, which enhances research opportunities for their students.

The envisioned custom GPTs could function similarly to Khan Academy's Khanmigo, which assists students with homework and test preparation, though it has encountered accuracy issues, particularly in mathematics.

Despite the potential benefits of AI in education, a Pew Research Center survey found that 25% of public K-12 teachers believe AI tools do more harm than good, while only 18% of K-12 educators are currently using AI in their classrooms, according to a Rand Corporation poll.

The AI in education market is expected to grow significantly, projected to reach $88.2 billion by 2032, although this growth is being hampered by skepticism among educators.

Purohit acknowledges the current limitations of AI technology but remains optimistic about its ongoing improvement and its potential to enhance learning and teaching contexts.