I watched the U-tube of Professor Khan's discussion about atomic structure and enjoyed it very much. I liked the use of the smart blackboard and images and videos . I found his conversational style to be very engaging, and his explanations excellent. However I do not think that this style of presentation is very different in content and style from what many of us use in the classroom, though not all of us have the technology that he used available. I think that using some of his presentations in class from time to time would be a great addition to any class. But in my experience students do not react well to a course taught completely on-line or by using videos, power points, u-tube etc all the time. They like the "real" interaction with a professor. They like to be able to ask questions. They really like their teacher to solve example problems. So these kinds of presentations make a great addition to a class, but should not, in my opinion, be the way the whole class is taught.
Mark,
I just posted a discussion on Khan today. I had just found it last night. Pretty good stuff. I would like to see more practice opportunities for chemistry application, perhaps using a mechanism generator like the one that is compatible with word (the name just left me) but other than that I am pleased with the website. As a student I look all over the Internet searching for clear and concise explanations of mechanisms, or just a reminder of how to manipulate algebra problems, the search is exhausting...until now. I'm glad to see someone else has posted on this as well.
Salute!
Here's another interesting article from Wired Magazine,
What do you think about the Khan Academy? Would you encorporate any of his lesson in your classroom? What have you learned from his approach?