Hello! My name is Kirby Ortiz and though this is my first blog post ever, there will be many more to come in the weeks to follow. I’ll be focusing on technology, however do not be surprised by the occasional non-technology blog requested by followers with whom I may connect with. Welcome to Blog 4 Fun. Stay updated by following me on Twitter @DigitalTactic1
For my first blog post I decided to talk about something that has not only helped me but helped millions worldwide. It’s a tool that I’ve used for many years and am still using today. You may ask, “Why talk about something that’s already known?”. Well, this tool has improved throughout the years and it just got even better. The tool: Khan Academy!
If you’ve ever struggled with math, who has not, or understood only parts of any particular concept, Khan Academy can be an invaluable tool. Khan Academy is a non-profit organization that began with humble beginnings on YouTube. Initially, its focus was only math but as the years have gone by it now offers science and engineering, arts and humanities, computing, economics and finance, college, careers, and more!
For many years Khan Academy existed only via YouTube. You could search for any topic and browse through all the results. Today, via its website, it has a new platform making it more interactive. It offers a much more organized and structured medium for accessing the videos you seek. Topics can be viewed as if you were in a classroom room setting where one video leads into the next forming chapters. Additional options are also provided to work on sample exercises to better understand the topic at hand. It helps you create your own study plan with exercises and quizzes to help meet your goal.
What’s new? Khan Academy is formally selling its teacher training and support services to school districts. Seven districts in CA, NV and FL are using the new paid services this fall. Schools in all districts have long seen the value in Khan Academy and want it in their classrooms.
https://twitter.com/GlobalReady/status/1172674441144360960
What does Salman “Sal” Khan, founder of Khan Academy, have to say about all this? While he always knew its value, he still insists that Khan Academy should not be a one stop shop but rather a tool that should be used along with every day classroom training.
You can view their promotional video here.
Or if you’re ready to dive in and are not sure how, check this one out.
If you’ve made it this far, THANK YOU for reading my first blog. I would love to hear your feed back so please comment below.
cori
Hello Blogging4Fun
I had mentioned before through Twitter that your blog post about Khan Academy was helpful and I would use this tool to help my son in the future. I decided to take on the Praxis Core Test, finally, after putting it off for quite some time. I decided that I needed to just dive in a do it and I needed to use some tools to help me study. I had studied years ago, as mentioned previously, but always used written books, past courses, textbooks, and friends’ experiences to help direct my study techniques. This time was different. I followed the links provided by my college and quickly was transported to another unfamiliar portal. This portal was different and unlike many others; Khan Academy was clear, simple, and was extremely relevant to the topics I needed for my own personal use. I shared with the website my information and createed a log-in, filled out my “calandar,” and was given a few sample tests. These tests were in Math, Reading, and Writing. I took these tests and the Khan Academy updated with a chart, table, and explanations on what information I would need to study in the order and highest priority of what I needed in order to succeed on my upcoming exam. Khan Academy became my best friend, enemy, and tutor over the next few weeks. It emailed reminders to me, it gave me encouragement after long hours of studying, and it counted down until the very moment I took my test. I took my test on a Saturday afternoon and after I completed it I received an email from Khan celebrating the fact that I completed the test. This was a huge accomplishment for me, not just passing. I will get these results in 15 days and crossing my fingers. I felt better and know there were problems I struggled with, but with the help of Khan Academy, I can honestly say it saved me time, energy, and gave me a better attitude after the hard work I put into everything.
I thought your post about Khan Acadamy was relevant to my personal happenings at this moment in time, but also in my future courses, teaching guides, and recommendations to others. You mentioned in your blog that Khan Academy “Only existed via YouTube.”I had no idea this was so limited and I am fortunate that I could benefit from such a wonderful tool. I also am happy to see others share their experiences with their personal pieces of training, programs, study techniques, and exams.
Thank you for your thoughts on Khan Academy and shining a light on such a timeless tool.
-cori