The current educational structure is deeply flawed. In an ideal world every student would have a one-on-one tutor. However, for several reasons this is not a feasible teaching structure. But with the development of new computer technologies, it may be possible one day for everyone to have a one-on-one personalized computer tutor. This idea has been called ‘digital Aristotle’, and the basic framework for an educational re-structuring is already in place.
I worry about one of the new approaches becoming the entrenched standard and seeing some people get left out due to their learning style. That doesn't have to happen, but it seems to be the way public education works. In college I would try to find an online version of whatever class I was taking's lectures. I could usually find a good lecture by a professor from one of the best schools in the land, sometimes I could find a lecture from the author of my text book. If I had to rank what I learned the most from it would look like this. 1. The internet. Get 7 different versions of the same concept in the time it takes to listen to a lecture. 2. In class Lecture, discussion with friends. 3. Text book. I've had so many classes where I wouldn't have even opened the damn things up if there was a problem or data set I needed. Not all are bad, probably about 40% have been rendered totally useless by the internet.
There is no doubt that learning with internet related content is more effective than classroom lectures. Most people actually don't listen during a lecture. I found that I took notes to help me pay attention. Without taking notes I would have just zoned out or fell asleep.
I don't know about that. I am a believer in the multiple intelligences theory in education, there are different ways of learning and thinking about information that is presented, the intelligences if you will. Some students are much better suited to learning through internet related content. Other students need an instructor there to ask questions throughout the process. Some students need to be able to use hands-on methods to learn the subject matter, others can just read the textbook and figure it out on their own. We all have different learning styles. I personally do learn well from audio and video sources, I had a professor this semester who was terrible at learning from lecture, audio, or video, he needed to have it written down so that he could read it and refer to it later. I think that internet resources are a great thing to use in the classroom. Music education (my field) has been greatly enhanced by new resources available through the internet. I do not think, however, that an education system based entirely on internet related content would be any more effective than our current system, because neither effectively addresses multiple learning styles consistently.
I really wouldn't say that. I have had classes with great lectures that involved lots of debate and participation from students, such classes and lecturers definitely deliver something that can't be had from the internet. There is value all over, which is why I'm scared of anyone thing becoming dominate. Things are probably better now in some ways then they will be in the internet hegemonic learning system, but overall internet learning will probably be better.
IMO the Khan approach could and should be a component of education. However, I worry that we often think of education as a process rather than a journey to be experienced. The Khan approach is similar to reading in that the lesson is static. However, in a lecture with a small group, you not only can have instant feedback and clarification, but you can have digression and serendipity. I am sure that some of this can arise when students get together for work, but an inelastic lecture has its limitations. IMO education should be messy. It should be efficient at times and inefficient at others. Khan brings a great tool, but I honestly would prefer a good mix of live lectures. Some of the things that I remember most from lectures would not have been included in a generalized version, as they typically concerned personal anecdotes of the lecturer.
I think you and cgod both touch upon the same thing. The Khan approach isn't a silver bullet or a one size fits all approach. As you say, it should be a component of education and not the entirety. I would guess that the Khan approach fits better with subjects like early mathematics and sciences. The more advanced you get in a topic, the more necessary a lively discussion becomes. Still, why not stream the lectures at home and then have the lively discussion in the classroom? I don't think "flipping" the classroom has to mean negating discussion. I recently heard Sal Khan on the Dian Rehm show discussing how they are attempting to get in to the humanities. It's a big challenge for this method of education.
I think a lot is lost after the fact. Often things come to mind as they are brought up, that might be lost if the topic is discussed afterwards. Also, like in all instruction, the instructor is probably going to have to focus his/her efforts on those that are struggling the most. There is something natural about presenting to a group in a live format, and I think we could go overboard if we flip too much. I wouldn't much enjoy watching a video lecture on Dickens where I couldn't interact until the next day.Still, why not stream the lectures at home and then have the lively discussion in the classroom?
I wouldn't much enjoy watching a video lecture on Dickens where I couldn't interact until the next day.
I agree. It's definitely going to be a struggle to find a balance when using this format with the humanities. Khan has assembled a pretty creative group, it will be interesting to see how they approach this.
I remember first hearing about Khan academy and the idea of "flipping the classroom" and thinking what a difference that would have made in my education process. I'm happy to see it is gaining momentum. I've taken some Khan courses in math and they've been very helpful.
If I wasn't content with my current academic background I would be disappointed that I only recently heard about Khan Academy. That being said, I think I would be much better at math had I grown up in an education system that approached education with his philosophy.