This is how I would use KA. When you are learning something new, it's helpful to have more than one person explain it to you. Due to our instinct for pattern recognition, I believe this approach helps build a stronger conceptual foundation. IMO the author is right that KA is no panacea, and it seems that in the US, both the GOP and Dems are looking to do more with less in education, so we should be wary. However, saying: "Khan Academy may be one of the most dangerous phenomenon in education today." is hyperbolic. Looking for quick fixes in education and ignoring the fundamentals is dangerous. But KA is a damn fine tool in the toolbox. Personally, I don't think 'flipping the classroom' and having kids watch the lectures as homework will work. A large number of parents won't keep their end of the bargain, and most kids will do everything they can to avoid watching the videos.
Spot on. A quick search reviews many a math teacher concerned, not exactly with Khan Academy, but the way it's being promoted. http://fnoschese.wordpress.com/2011/05/10/khan-academy-my-fi... Also, while it may be okay for diletant learning, it may not work so well for strict classroom curriculum. http://localtechrepair.blogspot.com/2011/10/cheating-khan-ac... FTR, I liked the French Revolution videos.
It will need some work revamping and may take years but I think the "flipping" of a classroom is the direction we are headed in. I love the idea of tutorials at home and one on one with a teacher in classroom. btw, my wife is a doctor and did the majority of her lectures in first year med school from home. It was great, she would even speed up the playback so that a 1 hour lecture only took 40 minutes. Many professors pushed back against allowing this. No one likes change, especially when it impacts your ego.