Unless it has reruns, I always learn something new on 60 Minutes. Last night it was about a breakthrough teaching method for math, one of the toughest subjects for most people.
Developed by Sal Khan as a tutoring device for a struggling relative, The Khan Academy library is now attracting students – children and adults – around the world with its FREE program, which will soon expand to topics beyond math.
Even Bill Gates’ children uses the library. He was so impressed he helped fund it.
Sal Khan
“A free world-class education for anyone anywhere,” says it website.
“The Khan Academy is an organization on a mission. We’re a not-for-profit with the goal of changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education to anyone anywhere.
“All of the site’s resources are available to anyone. It doesn’t matter if you are a student, teacher, home-schooler, principal, adult returning to the classroom after 20 years, or a friendly alien just trying to get a leg up in earthly biology. The Khan Academy’s materials and resources are available to you completely free of charge.”
CBS says it now has “an app that helps kids learn to count to 10 and an online library of more than 3,000 lessons are helping revolutionize the way children learn math.
Khan's team, Sal on left
“The app, called Numby, features a macho-looking robot (Numby) in underpants that counts up to and down from 10, composing a song as he goes. http://getnumby.com/
“The Khan Academy library is a far more extensive project, with video tutorials covering algebra, geometry, statistics, trigonometry and eight other branches of mathematics. (It’s also expanded to include videos on science, finance and the humanities.) It’s already boosted math comprehension in the 23 U.S. schools in which it’s being tested as part of the main math curriculum, according to a report by CBS’ 60 Minutes.
“Rather than learning a math concept from a lecturing teacher in class, students watch Khan videos at home the night before and then spend class time working on problem sets to make sure they’ve understood it.”
Wow, I’m glad Bill Gates also loves Khan Academy!! It is great and it’s even better when you, as a teacher, can share Khan’s content with your students through the use of ipads. Nearpod is the app with featured presentations from Khan Academy and assessments, videos and polls within it! it works fine when trying to engage your class. you just need to download the app, sign up and there you’ll be: ready to enjoy khan’s content. If you liked my idea, Nearpod’s webpage is http://www.nearpod.com . Susan
I have a daughter xianna that has downs syndrome. How may I get the app for this program for my daughter?
just google khan academy