Many of my friends in education know about Sal Khan and Khan Academy. Yet there are many more who don’t. He’s quite an amazing guy. I believe his work will change education in important ways, even more than it already has. Here are links to two videos about him. One is a recent TED talk. The other is from a GEL conference.
I tell kids I work with in New York City public schools about him. His site is such an easy way to work on discrete topics at one’s own pace. Of course, in my experience, the computers in the city schools can’t connect with his site. Kids try to connect from school but nothing happens. They have to go home to reach his site. We worry about test scores. Then when something comes up that truly might help kids, can’t seem to find a way to make it available. I don’t know if this is true citywide, but in my experience kids working through city school computers can’t utilize a terrific opportunity that provides them with autonomy and some control over their learning. Sadly, maybe that’s the point. We’re afraid to give kids autonomy.
But this site isn’t just for educators. Everyone should know about this work. Help spread the word. I would love to have this post be the most widespread of any I’ve ever put out there. Move it along people.
Here’s the GEL piece: http://vimeo.com/11731351
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