"How do you use Khan Academy to get ahead in class?" Student responses.

I created an optional assignment on Edmodo recently.  My students had the opportunity to respond to this simple question: "How have you used Khan Academy?"  I explained to them that several of my students have been able to work ahead in class.  They've been able to learn new topics and skills without any instruction from a teacher.  Some of the responses I received were quite interesting.

Student A: I do different things depending on what the skill is. Normally, I watch whatever video there is on it. Sometimes I watch the whole thing and sometimes I just watch part of it. Then, I start on the practice. If I need to I use the hints. For some skills, I skip the video and just use the hints. However, I think that some of the hints just make it more confusing. And if after all of that I still don't understand how to do it, I ask whatever adult I'm with.

Student B: If it was hard and I didn't understand it I used the hint for the first problem. I either worked along with it, or I wrote down the steps they used and tried to understand it. Although other times I asked a friend who had already finished the skill to explain it to me.I found the first and third methods worked the best.

Student C: One time before a quiz, I was using Khan Academy to help study for a test. The test was really important and I needed to bring my grade up. I reviewed everything that would be on the test and I saw something that went with the topic so I decided to do it. Even though the certain problems were not on the test, but they were on a bonus question. I got the question right so it helped me. 

Student D: One way I worked ahead to work on 'Units' watched the Videos and read the comments. After still not having a 100% understanding, I logged out and clicked all the hints and read them through. I then tried the problem until I understood how to do it. Then I logged back in and worked ahead. For other problems, like area, I looked up the formulas online.

As you can see, each student has formed a different strategy for learning new material on their own.  I have enjoyed reading these responses after my students have had a full year's experience with Khan Academy.  Often unmeasured, the skill of learning how to teach yourself is a critical one in our society today.