I liked the way that the application provided the “Coaching” mode which gave the teacher the ability to dig into a students data and identify where they were having difficulty, how they’d worked a problem, how many hints etc… I also thought the elaborated feedback (hints) provided in the software was a great way to assist in reducing learner frustration and thus helping to keep them motivated. This particular teachers approach of not only providing feedback through the software in immediate response and elaborated mode but also allowing the learners to interact with peers for assistance was a particularly useful method of reducing overload on the instructor, receiving positive reinforcement (self-perception and motivation) for students who provided assistance to others, and encouraging teamwork and a low threat environment (not embarrassing, thus positive and more motivating) by receiving peer assistance. The software is just the software, how it is applied to the instructional setting and domain of interest and how that fits with the capabilities of the instructor/facilitator in regards to that instructors technical capability in the domain, their knowledge and skill of the software application and their skills and abilities in regards to connecting to their learners and managing a classroom are also key to effective instruction.

I haven’t used Khan Academy as a tool in my professional life, but I have used it as a parent with my oldest son and daughter. As the teacher in this video points out, one of the best parts about programs like Khan Academy is the sense of progress. Khan Academy has come a long way in this regard. The site used to be somewhat bare bones, but now you get audio and animation feedback for correct answers, you have achievements, profiles, unlockables, and other “gamified” elements. It becomes addicting for kids like mine who grew up playing iPad games.

Another excellent feature of Khan Academy is that it sends you a weekly report of the activity of each student you have enrolled, and an update about their progress.

The Khan Academy tool is a great example of how a student-centered approach with immediate feedback can truly help students stay focused, motivated, and accountable for their learning. I liked how the teacher was able to do a deep data dive for each student to see their progress and better coach them through the process. I agree with Jeff that a lot of the success of tools like Khan is dependent on the teacher’s ability to connect the students to the learning and manage the classroom.