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What is Khan Academy?
Khan Academy is popular for its videos distributed to help people learn. It is a non-profit educational organization created in 2006 by educator Salman Khan to provide:
a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
Khan Academy’s website offers thousands of educational resources. It also contains many other features such as progress tracking, practice exercises, and a variety of tools for teachers in public schools. The organization is now financed by donations and with significant backing from Bill Gates and Google. In 2010, Google announced it would give the Khan Academy $2 million for creating more courses and for translating the core library into the world’s most widely spoken languages.
Who is Salman Khan?
Salman Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, to a father from Barisal, Bangladesh, and a mother from Calcutta, India. He earned three degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and pursued an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Salman Khan initially created Math video tutorials to help his relatives and friends, especially his cousin Nadia. These videos, distributed on YouTube, gained immense popularity. In 2009, inspired by positive testimonials from appreciative students worldwide, Khan decided to quit his job in finance to focus full-time on creating educational content.
Top 10 Khan Academy Alternatives
Khan Academy is widely known for its high-quality, free educational resources. However, many other platforms offer excellent alternatives that cater to various learning needs, from interactive lessons to specialized courses. Here are the top 10 Khan Academy alternatives you should consider:
1. Coursera
Coursera partners with universities and institutions worldwide to offer courses in a wide range of subjects, from data science to personal development. While many courses are free, certifications and degrees come with a fee.
Best for: Advanced learners seeking certifications or degrees.
2. EdX
Similar to Coursera, EdX provides access to university-level courses. It includes subjects like computer science, business, and engineering, with free course options and paid certifications.
Best for: Those looking for professional or academic advancement.
3. Udemy
Udemy boasts an extensive library of over 200,000 courses. Topics range from coding and graphic design to cooking and personal finance. While most courses are paid, frequent discounts make them highly affordable.
Best for: Learners looking for specific skills or hobbies.
4. Skillshare
Skillshare focuses on creative and professional skills such as photography, writing, and entrepreneurship. A subscription model provides unlimited access to their content.
Best for: Creative professionals and hobbyists.
5. Brilliant
Brilliant specializes in interactive lessons for STEM subjects like math, science, and computer programming. The hands-on approach is ideal for developing problem-solving skills.
Best for: STEM enthusiasts who enjoy interactive learning.
6. Byju’s
Targeted primarily at school students, Byju’s offers engaging video lessons and interactive quizzes. The platform is especially popular in India for exam preparation.
Best for: K-12 students and standardized test preparation.
7. CK-12
CK-12 provides free educational resources, including textbooks, videos, and simulations. The platform is ideal for self-paced learning in K-12 subjects.
Best for: Students seeking flexible, no-cost resources.
8. Quizlet
Quizlet is a study tool that allows users to create flashcards, quizzes, and games. It’s a great way to reinforce learning and prepare for exams.
Best for: Students who thrive on active recall and gamified learning.
9. Ted-Ed
Ted-Ed offers animated videos and lessons on a variety of topics. These short, engaging videos are perfect for sparking curiosity and initiating discussions.
Best for: Visual learners and educators seeking supplementary material.
10. National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids provides educational games, videos, and articles about science, geography, and history. It’s an excellent platform for younger learners.
Best for: Children who love exploring nature and science.
Conclusion
While Khan Academy remains a leader in free online education, these alternatives provide unique features and cater to diverse learning styles and goals. Whether you’re a student, professional, or lifelong learner, these platforms can help you achieve your educational aspirations. Explore them and find the one that best fits your needs!