Khan Academy: Education of the Future

I think Khan Academy is an incredible idea to help students learn. I was so impressed by the fact that their mission statement states, “A free world-class education for everyone everywhere,” because so much of the time many students are overlooked and neglected based on their socioeconomic level, or their school location. It is amazing that a man that began by helping his niece learn math through online tutorial videos, has now became the founder of a large and still growing non-profit organization that empowers students through learning.

I like that the ten-minute tutorial sessions allow the students to learn at their own pace, and that they have the lessons tailored to the unique learning style of each student.  When I was in middle and high school, I really struggled with math.  I had such a hard time with the basics of Pre-algebra in seventh grade.  Each year only compacted the problem, since I didn’t have a good foundation.  I felt light-years behind the other students that were barreling ahead of me, and my frustration  left me very discouraged.  I imagine there are a lot of students who have and will experience the same feelings of defeat as I did.  I believe that this type of learning will help eradicate those feelings of discouragement.  The students have the opportunity to go back and rewind the lessons as many times as they need without slowing down their peers, and they will have the guidance of their teacher to assist in any problems or questions that arise.

I love that Khan stated that this learning will, “Take the passivity out of the classroom, and allow the teacher to be a coach, not a lecturer.” I think this concept is key for the future of education.  Our test scores of the old system we have in place of a 50 minute lecture each day indicate that we are losing the battle in truly educating our kids. It speaks volumes that a man such as Bill Gates backs Khan and his academy, because he has been such an innovator in math, science and learning. This was a very inspiring segment about what a man can do with a closet, a laptop, and an educated mind.