Trends in Educational Technology: Khan Academy

KHAN ACADEMY

Stuck on a concept? Not sure the correct steps to take in order to solve that difficult math problem? Confused on how to help your child? Just type it in to a Google search and the first videos that often show up come from Khan Academy. 

Sure, Khan Academy has been around for a while, so why is it still trending? Unlike many online programs that have reached it's max potential and is spinning its wheels, Khan Academy keeps getting better. Don't believe me? Check this out: 

Additional Resources:

• Khan Academy Kids - A free app that I highly recommend if you have children from ages 2 - 6. Disguised as games with fun characters, children are captivated by the interactive lessons, games, and activities. Their personalized learning path adapts to them to allow them to learn at their own pace while collecting fun rewards as they learn. 

• Still not sold on incorporating it into your classroom? Check out this article written in the Huffington Post reflecting on two years of implementing Khan Academy.
• ManeuveringTheMiddle.com also has some great implementation ideas. Tips for Using Khan Academy boasts 3 easy and actionable ways to keep students engaged and in charge of their own learning. 

Image Source: ManeuveringTheMiddle.com

• Speaking of ManueveringTheMiddle.com, this article gives great differentiation tips and ways to teach a multi-level class. I particularly enjoyed the chart pictured to allow for planning on which groups to meet with during small groups. 

Image Source: Karyn Soerens

• Want quick Khan videos aligned to NWEA MAP 6+ Rit? I compiled this resource that can allow you to search by Rit Range, Strand, Descriptor, Lesson, and/or Standard. Here is a pdf list from NWEA Professional Resources for NWEA MAP Grades 2-5.

If I haven't convinced you enough to jump on the Khan Academy train, I suggest that you go explore it yourself. Take a look at all that it has to offer and all that is coming soon. You wont be disappointed. 

Photo Courtesy of: Flickr

RESOURCES USED IN PRESENTATION:

Ang, K. (2017, June 30). Fundamentals: How Sal Khan raised $4 million to provide free

education for everyone. Retrieved from https://www.marketwatch.com/story/fundamentals-how-sal-khan-raised-4-million-to-provide-free-education-for-everyone-2017-06-30.

Announcing Our New Partnership with NWEA to Accelerate Student Learning. (2019,

June 17). Retrieved November 8, 2019, from https://www.khanacademy.org/about/blog/post/185657280930/announcing-our-new-partnership-with-nwea-to.

Lublin, J. S. (2018, November 1). Where Khan Academy's Founder Gets Advice,

Balance and an Occasional Push. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/where-khan-academys-founder-gets-advice-balance-and-an-occasional-push-1541084523.

MAP Accelerator. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2019, from

https://www.nwea.org/map-accelerator/.

Powers, M. (2019, November 11). Khan Academy Review for Teachers. Retrieved

November 11, 2019, from https://www.commonsense.org/education/website/khan-academy.

Schwartz, K. (2014, May 6). How Are Teachers and Students Using Khan Academy?

Retrieved November 11, 2019, from https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/35412/how-are-teachers-and-students-using-khan-academy.

The Pros & Cons of Khan Academy. (n.d.). Retrieved November 8, 2019, from

https://thesismag.com/2014/10/03/the-pros-cons-of-khan-academy/.

Webley, K. (2012, July 9). Reboot the School. Retrieved November 9, 2019, from

http://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,2118298-5,00.html.

What is the history of Khan Academy? (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://khanacademy.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/202483180-What-is-the-history-of-Khan-Academy-.