Wrath of Khan

I watched a short video about a former hedge fund manager named Salmon Khan who has hung up his fund manager boots and created a really cool series of web based videos for classroom or home instruction.  I was very intrigued by this concept, so I went to the website and it is a really great site if you teach the core subjects.  I could see where this could be a great introduction or reteach at home tool.  I could also see it being used in the classroom to help students along when the teacher is working one on one or with another small group.  Students can stop, rewind, play back, etc.  So, they can watch the examples and methods employed as many times as they need to without the rest of the class having to know.  This would be especially helpful to those shy students who would rather fail than be recognized or pointed out as having to have something re explained or repeated.

Unfortunately for me, Mr. Khan has no videos that I could find dealing with teaching Computer Business Applications in Microsoft, and well, that is what I teach.  Therefore, I guess I won't be using this anytime soon.  I find that a shame since it really seems to be good material and, he, it's free!  This is also one of those instances where a shallow scale approach like in the Carpe Diem School (Carpe Diem vs. St. Mary's webcast) could be a positive approach and use in the classroom.  I do also believe that this is best used as a supplement and not the only form of instruction.  There is nothing like live communication with another human being.
 The Nets addressed in this assignment were:
4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.

a. Advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.

b. Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources

5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibitleadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources.

c. Evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.

d. Contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community.