I'm still noticing that my students are really enjoying using Khan for assignments. I find that my students practically jump for joy when they see that the math homework assignment is from Khan as opposed to the text book. My initial thought was, "Wow, maybe I should give Khan homework more often because they are so into it." Then I thought about it and maybe the novelty will wear off if it becomes daily or expected. With that, I decided I will keep them on their toes and mix it up. I have been doing just one homework assignment from Khan and find that all of my students are completing the video and practice that have been assigned.
I have really come to enjoy being able to view the class and individual student data in the morning, before the school day starts. Every time I teach a new lesson in any subject, my goal is to make sure that when I send my students on to do independent work, they are prepared to be successful in that day's assignment. I use many types of informal assessment throughout the lesson to gauge students levels of understanding. Khan enables me to have a preview of how students are going to do on a given lesson. By checking the data in the morning (about the previous evening's homework), I can see who may still be "struggling" or "needs practice" and I am also able to see how long they spent on the practice problems and how many attempts were needed to get five correct in a row.
Now, as I go into my lesson, I can direct additional questions toward those students that need it. I always try to praise my students for being the brave one to speak up and ask a question when no one else is, but I understand that sometimes they don't want peers to think they are having a hard time. The Khan data puts the ball in my court, so I can direct my instruction accordingly. I have really been able to utilize this data to help get each of students to a solid level of understanding and mastery. Also, I am able to "Make Recommendations" for students as to additional exercises I may want them to complete on their own time or during seatwork time to practice and improve. The data provided by Khan is detailed and easy to analyze.
Teachers from The Meadows School in Las Vegas reflect on using Khan Academy and other online resources to enhance learning in their classrooms.
I'm interested in the notion that the "novelty" of flipped classroom learning might wear off. Have you upped the frequency at all since posting this entry? Perhaps students really like it because it works for them--it allows them to work at their own pace, using the computer is more in sync with their "real life," they can review on their own, etc.
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