Design Experiment 3: Khan Academy

I often hear educators who are developing online or flipped classrooms lament, “I’ve got so much content to develop!” What many of them don’t realize is that a great deal of content has already been developed for online delivery/distribution and is available for anyone to use, particularly for educational purposes.

This week, I explored and experimented with Kahn Academy and it was an exciting experience to say the least.  I created an account for myself and added one imaginary student in order to gain the access to explore.  Subject included Math, Math by grade, Science, Art and Humanities, Computing, Economics and Finance.  I selected for the content I was to explore was Math for 3^rd grade, addition and subtracting, Intro to Place Value and a video came into the screen with a student demonstrating using an abacus.  There is also a transcript of the video to read after viewing.  I followed and read most of the question stems and started another search and repeated this process for about 30 minutes watching the hands-on activities.

I can see this methodology working in the 21^st Century classroom because there is no fear or intimidation of not understanding the concept in front other students who do, then if there are moment when re-teaching is necessary, the video can be replayed up to as many times as necessary.  Also, for convenience purposes the video lessons can be watch through the simple touch of an iPad, cell phone and even on a YouTube video which makes this so very assessable. I’m even a big fan of interactive lessons, that I can individualize and cater to my own needs.  

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Kahn Academy is an excellent teaching tool for communities that are experiencing budget cuts because the manipulatives can be seen on the screen.  If you are a traditional teacher that has to start your lesson whole-group, lecture, checking understanding before allowing them to go on to independent practice…this is not tool for you.  Pacing will be the biggest challenge because students are allowed to move and THEIR own pace.  The instructor is now the facilitator, helping students move through the lesson and not the Commander and Chief of who gets to lead and the rest must follow.

I read the Terms and Conditions of using this website and this stood out to me for some reason:  5.6 User Content Disclaimer. You understand that when using the Website …and that Khan Academy is not responsible for the accuracy, usefulness, or intellectual property rights …You may be exposed to User Content that is inaccurate, offensive, indecent or objectionable, and You agree to waive…

In my opinion, with this educational website is being provided for FREE there are no guarantees. But, its user friendly with the 'new age' of online discussion forums, students, teachers and parents can connect with others groups to evaluate and give advice or homework help when learners reach a concept challenging to them…welcome to the wonderful world of education. This seems like a program learners and educators can solve problems, teach, and learn at their own pace, choose the subjects they desire and the fear of not having the correct answer all the time is the culture this looks line real online learning to me and I found everything I would need!