A group of Grade 8 learners from Diepsloot are currently enrolled on a pilot programme testing whether Khan Academy can improve comprehension and understanding in the gateway subject of Mathematics. A key focus for SEF over the coming months (and probably years) is to determine whether the innovative use of technology can improve education delivery in our township and rural communities. Learners attend the centre after school at least twice a week where they watch a Khan Academy instruction video on a topic relevant to their curriculum and then attempt Khan academy exercises. Once learners are proficient they then move on to the next lesson.
The primary question is whether it is possible for secondary school learners to improve their maths abilities through regular use of online computer-based learning tutorials and exercises. SEF is partnering with the maths department at St Davids Marist Inanda for assistance with the curriculum and is using the experiences gained on the IkamvaYouth programme as a guide to developing an effective and sustainable solution to the maths challenge.
We expect to be able to present initial feedback on our experiences towards the end of 2012. Stay tuned for details.
You can watch the founder of the Khan Academy deliver his TED Talk here for further information on the Khan Academy offering.