This article discusses the Khan Academy, which we recently watched a video about in class. The article starts by describing how Salman Khan originally got started, which was by using online tools to tutor his cousin who lived across the country from him. Eventually, other family members began to ask him for help and before he knew it non-family members were asking for help. As a result, the Khan Academy was founded and now has over 2,000 instructional videos online. While the primary focus of the Khan Academy has been to teach Math and Science, they are beginning to explore the areas of economics and humanities. Furthermore, the Los Altos School District piloted a program in which the Khan Academy was brought into the classroom. With this program, the teacher's role changed from "simply delivering information to becoming a guide and mentor for students." Moreover, they are "taking a direct-to-the-student approach and providing the necessary tools and resources pupils will embrace and use." While feedback from the program has been positive from students, teachers and parents, what does this kind of program mean for teachers? With this concept of direct-to-the-students, are teachers' jobs in jeopardy, or at least in more jeopardy than they may already be? Do you think the Khan Academy would be successful in your school? Would you want to incorporate the Khan Academy into your school?
I think the Kahn Academy is a great teacher tool, however I don't think it could completely replace a teacher. Jumping back to Allison's post, students crave interaction with their teachers. I think that the Kahn Academy could work in my school if implemented properly. It could be used as an extra help tool for students or even a tool to help gifted students challenge themselves even further. I personally don't see a problem with it being implemented into my school as long as it was used as a teacher tool not as a TEACHER!
ReplyDeleteI feel the Kahn Academy can be used as a supplement to teaching a lesson or as an extra source of reference to obtain infomation not as a replacement. You definetly need to have that live communication with a student and not just a digital one. I do not think teachers jobs are in jeopardy because of ideas like the Kahn Academy, there might be ater reasons. I do feel that if teachers embrace technology they can teach it to their students and at the same time students will gain a lot of insight on how to use technology effectivly.
ReplyDeleteI do think this is a good teacher tool, this could never take the place of a teacher though. Alanna mentions the students craving for the teachers, this is so true. The direct-to-students is good but needs to be followed through with the teachers lesson. I believe this could be used in my school but the level of learners in my building range from high to low achievers. This would be a reason in itself to make sure the teacher is differentiating instuction for those who need it.
ReplyDeleteAt first I was dismayed when we watched the Khan Academy story in class; I love the idea, but his voice is annoying, and I felt it minimized what I do every day. After we watched part of his TED presentation, though, it got my wheels spinning. I am thinking about implementing it in my Algebra 2 High Honors class next year. I like the idea of assigning his lectures for homework and spending the class time having students practice with my guidance. I don't think it can replace teachers and I also don't think unmotivated students will benefit from this - for some students, the only way HS math will sink in is if someone is force-feeding them with lots of personal contact and love!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Pam! I was not interested in the idea when it was first presented in class. However I will say that after a little more research I can see how this will aid in the educational process. This week at work we have been getting e-mails about the Khan Academy and it has become an interesting debate among the staff (thanks Polizzi). I think that this should be used as a supplement to classroom education and not the primary source of information. This line needs to be drawn ASAP, people will begin to get the wrong idea about education and think that every student can be enrolled in the Khan Academy and there goes our jobs!
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