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Individualized Learning with Khan Academy

What is Individualized Learning?

Every child is unique. With that being said, students’ learning styles differ. A strategy that works for one student may not work for another. This is where Individualized Learning comes into play. This teaching method targets the needs of the individual student. Students can work through the curriculum at their own pace, while still working towards achieving the same academic goals as their peers (ISTE, 2018).

Online Tools

There are many online resources for teachers to use that promote individualized instruction. Here is one tool that can help.

Khan Academy

What is Khan Academy? Khan Academy is a free online educational organization available to both teachers and students. Khan Academy offers lessons on algebra, chemistry, physics, art history, and beyond! Instructional videos and practice tests are just some of the study tools available to students. Khan Academy distinguishes themselves as a "personalized learning resources for all ages" and students can utilize the program either in or outside the classroom. Students can learn at their own pace; anywhere, anytime.

Introducing Khan Academy in the Classroom

For teachers that would like to utilize Khan Academy for Individualized Learning here are some tips on how to get started.

www.khanacademy.org

By selecting "Teachers, start here", you will then be prompted to create an account.

New users can join Khan Academy through Google, Facebook, or sign up with an email!

Check out the video below for a quick tutorial on Khan Academy for educators.

How to incorporate Khan Academy into your classroom:

1. Practice

Student's can complete practice exercises that align with the lesson at hand. These online practice assignments are great for homework or an in-class practice activity.

2. Topic Review

Encourage students to utilize Khan Academy as a study resource at home. Students have access to numerous instructional videos and written articles to prepare them for class and exams.

3. Individualized "Math Mission"

Math tends to be a tricky subject for students of all ages. Khan Academy's Math Missions are a personalized experience for students in which they can work through a subject at their own pace. After a subject has been selected, students are prompted to take a quiz to establish their current level. Khan Academy then provides students with targeted lessons and exercises that are aligned with the Common Core standards. Student's progress can be monitored and assessed throughout the duration of the mission. Khan Academy will even make suggestions for what skills they believe the student is ready to learn next!

For more information on Khan Academy's Math Missions, click here.

4. Assessment

Khan Academy allows teachers to track student's progress through lessons and monitor student's online activity. This helps teachers to identify where student's are struggling and where they have improved. This personalized data gives teachers the opportunity to provide a targeted, individualized lesson plan for students.

Relevant Standards

ISTE NETS Standards for Students & CCSS Standards

Empowered Learner:

  • 1a) "Students articulate and set personal learning goals, develop strategies leveraging technology to achieve them and reflect on the learning process itself to improve learning outcomes."
  • 1b) "Students build networks and customize their learning environments in ways that support the learning process."
  • 1c) "Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways."
  • 1d) "Students understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to choose, use and troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore emerging technologies."

Note: Connecticut has adopted the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Students.

Pros & Cons

PROS

  • Khan Academy is easily accessible and free!
  • Personalized approach to learning.
  • Students can work at their own pace and learn at their level.
  • A wide variety of subjects offered at a range of grade levels.
  • Specialized math instruction (ex: Math Missions).
  • Appeals to different learning styles (ex: visual, verbal).
  • Lessons are aligned with Common Core Standards.

CONS

  • Does not incorporate collaboration.
  • Restriced to one teaching style.
  • Does not appeal to experiential learners.
  • Not all students have access to the Internet or computers at home.

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Alternative Classroom Technology: Google Classroom, Coursera (college level online learning), Udemy

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Whether you use Khan Academy for all of your students, or a select few, this online resource provides students and teachers with a personalized learning experience that aligns with ISTE NETS and CCSS Standards. Khan Academy is a helpful classroom learning and data collecting tool!

By: Christina DeBlasi / MD400: Introduction to Educational Technology (Summer 2018)

Credits:

Created with images by guilossio - "chalkboard school learning board writing write e-learning" • PhotoMIX-Company - "homework the student tablet" • kazuend - "Bookshelf" • Hope House Press - "notebooks-cambridge" • JESHOOTS.COM - "White work table with notes, smartphone and laptop" • markusspiske - "office home office creative"

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