Khan Academy-Journet-Week 5

Salman Khan Founder of Khan Academy

It is truly inspiring to see how Khan Academy started and grew into this well known non-for profit organization.  I was introduced to Khan Academy in the 8th grade math class where I worked as paraprofessional.  I immediately saw the benefits and realized that it is a great tool for all learners.  I liked that it doesn't let the students move forward until they've mastered the skill but it still keeps them engaged.  When students are at home and don't understand a homework assignment they can easily watch a lesson on the material so they can better understand it.  They are also able to stop, rewind and pause it as needed.  The software gives the students many opportunities to practice.  The teacher can track each students progress.  They will be able to see where they are struggling and provide face to face support.  The students that have mastered most skills can be pushed as well.  It allows for all students to grow.  I will be taking more math classes soon and although I feel very comfortable with math I will surely sign into Khan Academy if I need extra support.

I'm a strong believer and supporter of the Flipped Classroom and blended learning.  Khan Academy is perfect for both of theses types of classrooms.  Students can see the lecture at home for home work and when they come to class they can be ready to dive into classwork, discussions or projects.  This saves time and the teacher can serve more as a facilitator of learning instead of spending too much time on the lecture.

Like I mentioned earlier resources like The Khan Academy benefit all types of learners in different ways.  The students that need extra support can review the lessons and videos at their own pace.  The students that are ahead can continue moving forward at their pace and will not be restricted to waiting on the rest of the class to catch up to them. The group in the middle of this spectrum will also keep moving forward.  Khan Academy can be used as a virtual tutor.  Many parents and adult students spend alot of money on tutors.  Khan Academy serves as a tutor and it is world class teaching which is free to everyone.  That fact that it is free for everyone restores my faith in humanity on a larger scale.  Free for the students whose parents cant afford tutoring.  Free for kids in other countries that can't afford schooling or tutoring.

It is my opinion that it is a great time to be a student and an even better time for future teachers like myself to learn the art of teaching.