I recently came across a site called Khan Academy. The website was started by Salman Khan who was tutoring his cousins across the country. He posted lessons on YouTube so that his cousins would be able to view at their own pace. Khan began receiving feedback from strangers about how useful these videos. After Khan realized that a lot of people can benefit from his videos, he founded Khan Academy. This non-profit organization provides over 2,000 videos and tutorials of subjects ranging from grade school biology and mathematics to college level calculus and economics.
Screenshot of one of Khan's videos
It is great to see how the Internet and technology can provide a more flexible way of learning. Khan Academy also provides tracking tools for teachers to see where their students are progressing and which ones need a bit of help. Khan Academy has begun a pilot program in the Los Altos school district to test out the effectiveness of this type of new classroom setting.
If this resource was available during my high school years, it would have helped me tremendously.
Video of Salman Khan's TED Talks presentation:
Yes, I agree with you technology is amazing especially when it comes to improving education. College should get the best computer and services that come with it. College classes are now turning into hybrid class and technology in and outside can truly help students accomplish tasks much faster and make the learning process more fulfilling. I see no down side of using technology in classrooms that trend is already happing at the school. Why make things worse the best way is to accept and use it to an advantage to the students and the whole school.
ReplyDeleteI've heard about Kahn Academy. I agree that if this was around when I was in high school, it would have helped. Do you know how the Los Altos School District's pilot program is? Everyone's learning capabilities are not the same, so having a program like this in the school systems is a good idea. I like how Kahn Academy is using technology for good.
ReplyDelete@ Althea
ReplyDeleteYeah, every person's learning abilities are different. Some need more time and some can quickly absorb and understand the material. The pilot program's progress at Los Altos School District is generally positive. The students are getting use to a different kind of learning. And they are actually excited to learn math. Updates can be found at this website: http://lasdandkhanacademy.edublogs.org/
It seems like some students are able to post about how they feel about the program on that site. It really gives good insight of how the students are actually learning.