Monday, February 1, 2010

Homework #1 how I would use updated news/site feeds

I discovered a great math teaching resource on you tube a couple weeks ago called Khan Academy. A former software expert and funds manager had given up his career to focus on providing instructional videos on you tube. I came across one video demonstrating introductory concepts on logarithms that did an excellent job on showing students how to convert logarithms to exponential equations and vice versa. It was quick, short and very efficient. I was impressed enough with the video that I showed it to my class in the next few days. The entire class watched, a few giggled, and some seem completey enrapt. At the end a few kids asked me if I had made the video because his presentation was similar to how I present, down to the awkward handwriting.

Later I examined his site http://www.khanacademy.org/ and found that he had the curriculum of all of algebra II and other courses completely mapped out, with a short ten minute video demonstrating every essential concept. I think it would be good for students to know about this site so they can have an accessible and free resource to help them review materials. I feel a bit hesitant because I wonder if this would replace me as a teacher, but I think students will always want a human resource to help them with their personal needs.