By Aviv Weiss, Senior Product Marketer – Districts
As a former teacher and a Khan Academy employee, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact technology can have on education. Following Sal Khan’s announcement about offering Khanmigo for Teachers for free, thanks to support from Microsoft, I wanted to share why this initiative is close to our hearts and how it aligns with our mission to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.
The struggle of traditional assessment
A vivid memory from my teaching days is gathering with other eighth-grade ELA teachers across the district to review student essays on quarterly interim assessments. We met after school, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., exhausted and eager to go home. How could we get through stacks of essays and provide valuable feedback?
Despite the district’s strategies for priming our minds to look for specific elements in student work, we could only spot and jot so much. I often left these sessions not knowing where my students stood in their writing. The feedback they received was insufficient for driving strong revisions. This reality is echoed in Sarah Robertson’s writing on the crushing state of writing instruction, with only 25% of eighth and twelfth graders proficient in writing, according to the latest NAEP scores.
The backbone of society: teachers
At Khan Academy, we understand that teachers are the backbone of society. They inspire, guide, and support young people through their learning journeys. However, teachers face immense challenges, from juggling diverse student needs to managing extensive administrative tasks. This is where Khanmigo for Teachers comes in.
Introducing Khanmigo for Teachers
Khanmigo for Teachers isn’t just another tool; it’s a testament to our belief in the power of education and technology. By harnessing state-of-the-art AI, Khanmigo significantly eases the workload on teachers by assisting with the following:
- Lesson planning: quickly create tailored lesson plans.
- Differentiation: customize learning paths for diverse student needs.
- Rubric development: simplify the creation and application of grading rubrics.
Khanmigo is about giving teachers back their time—time they can invest in what they do best: teaching and inspiring students.
The importance of AI education tools
Why is it crucial for teachers to have access to the best tools possible? The answer lies in our mission. Each step we take toward empowering teachers with innovative resources brings us closer to providing a world-class education to all, regardless of location or circumstances. High-quality AI education tools like Khanmigo not only enhance the teaching and learning experience but also help level the educational playing field.
When teachers feel supported and have the resources they need, they are better equipped to support their students. Empowered teachers lead to empowered students whose potential to learn and grow knows no bounds. This ripple effect can transform education, making it more inclusive, effective, and inspiring for learners globally.
Positive feedback and future directions
We’re just scratching the surface with Khanmigo for Teachers, but the feedback so far has been incredibly positive. We’re eager to continue improving and expanding our offerings to better meet educators’ needs. As we move forward, we remain committed to listening to teachers and refining on our tools to ensure we’re providing the support teachers need to make a difference in their students’ lives.
Our commitment to universal education
The launch of Khanmigo for Teachers is more than just an announcement; it reflects our dedication to educators and students worldwide. By equipping teachers with cutting-edge AI education tools, we’re supporting their incredible work and taking meaningful steps toward achieving our mission of universal access to a world-class education.
Katie Roberts
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