Khan Academy

Definition

Khan Academy is a non-profit educational platform that offers free online courses, lessons, and practice in various subjects, aiming to provide a personalized learning experience for students. This platform embodies the principles of neoliberalism and marketization of education by leveraging technology to democratize access to quality educational resources and allowing learners to progress at their own pace, thereby shifting traditional educational paradigms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Khan Academy was founded in 2008 by Salman Khan, who initially created instructional videos for his cousin and later expanded them into a comprehensive platform.
2. The platform offers over 10,000 instructional videos covering subjects like math, science, economics, and humanities, catering to a wide range of learners.
3. Khan Academy's model supports self-paced learning, allowing students to review materials as needed and progress when they feel ready, which contrasts with traditional classroom structures.
4. The platform has received significant funding from various sources, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Google, highlighting its impact on educational accessibility.
5. Khan Academy's success illustrates the shift towards digital education resources and reflects broader trends in marketization that emphasize efficiency and scalability in learning.

Review Questions

• How does Khan Academy exemplify the principles of neoliberalism in education?
  • Khan Academy exemplifies neoliberalism in education by promoting free market ideals such as competition and efficiency through its platform. By providing free access to high-quality educational resources online, it encourages self-directed learning and empowers students to take control of their educational journeys. This shift towards market-driven solutions reflects a broader trend where education is seen more as a commodity that can be accessed and tailored according to individual needs rather than a public service.
• Discuss how Khan Academy's approach to personalized learning contrasts with traditional classroom models.
  • Khan Academy's approach to personalized learning allows students to learn at their own pace, accessing resources and lessons whenever they need them. This model contrasts sharply with traditional classrooms where all students are expected to learn the same material within fixed timeframes. By utilizing technology, Khan Academy fosters an individualized learning environment that accommodates diverse learning styles and paces, encouraging deeper understanding and retention of knowledge.
• Evaluate the implications of Khan Academy's funding sources on its role within the marketized education landscape.
  • Khan Academy's funding from influential organizations like the Gates Foundation highlights how philanthropic investments can shape educational platforms within a marketized framework. While this funding enables free access for users and expands the platform’s reach, it also raises questions about accountability and influence in educational content. The reliance on private funding may steer the platform towards aligning with certain educational philosophies or priorities that reflect the interests of its benefactors rather than purely serving public educational needs.

Related terms

EdTech: Short for educational technology, EdTech refers to the use of technology to facilitate learning and improve educational outcomes.

Personalized Learning: An educational approach that tailors learning experiences to individual students' needs, preferences, and pace, often supported by technology.

MOOC: A massive open online course (MOOC) is a free online course aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the web, reflecting market-driven approaches to education.