April 26, 2016

Breaking News on Distance Learning: Khan Academy and Clock Time Adjustment

Tom Cytron-Hysom, Consultant

Two recent developments in distance learning platforms will enhance distance learning in Minnesota ABE. First, Khan Academy has been approved as a distance learning platform. Second, an adjustment to potential contact hours claimed on platforms using a clock time model has been approved.

Khan Academy is modeled after computer gaming, using YouTube videos to cover a wide range of subjects, including math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, and more. It includes practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace outside of the classroom. Content covers very basic through highly advanced. Clock time on task, as recorded by Khan Academy, should be used in lieu of proxy hours, adding 15 minutes of time for each hour of clock time recorded (to account for teacher coordination with learner). Teachers can register as ‘coaches,’ and access videos explaining how to use the platform. Susan Wetenkamp-Brandt ([email protected]) will serve as superuser.

Khan Academy joins Core Skills Mastery, Burlington English, and My Foundations Lab/Accuplacer on the list of approved platforms using a clock time model, based on time-on-task recorded in the platform learner management systems. Programs can now claim 15 minutes of additional contact hour time per hour of verified clock time, to account for time spent communicating and working with the student, checking usage and mastery, etc. This is retroactive to the beginning of the program year.

Details on all of these changes are available on the Distance Learning website.

Tom Cytron-Hysom, Consultant MN ABE Distance Learning

Newsletter Signup

Get MN ABE Connect—the official source for ABE events, activities, and resources!

Sign Up

Article Categories