Data at Khan Academy

For this post I looked at the very well established nonprofit, Khan Academy. I saw it after a google search on nonprofits that use big data, and immediately wanted to look further into Khan Academy since it’s something I, and I imagine all of you as well, have used. Their goal is to provide “free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.” Just as we talked in our class about shifting mindsets and viewing data as a public good, they aim to do the same with education. Although most Americans see education as a public good, there are still huge quality and access gaps. Furthermore, we’re privileged as Americans, education is far from a public good in some countries. Although Khan was started in English, and certainly is still used mostly in US, they’re incorporating more languages with the hope of their videos reaching a wider audience.

Khan academy has a straightforward data & privacy policy that can be read here. The privacy policy is very open, and pretty much says that they don’t sell your data, or provide access to any organization other than the third parties that help manage their data, e.g. Google Analytics. In regards to how they use the data, the policy didn’t go into too many specifics, generally saying that they use it to improve their “Properties,” which is the term they use to reference all tutorial content. I took away three general points of improvement:

• Contextualization – targeting culture, location, language etc
• Quality – Improving the teaching methods of their lessons
• Targeting – Recommending content that meets user interests

All three of these points clearly meet the non-profit’s mission. In regards to how they use data to improve these three areas, it was a bit less clear. I’m couldn’t quite find the information I was looking for through googling. The organization seems very open and would probably respond if I tried to contact them, but I don’t think the question is that pressing. It’s clear that they put data in the hands of coaches, allowing them to more effectively teach students. This video shows some of that process. Of course, the user receives a good amount of data feedback through their game-like progress reports. Additionally, they likely make all of their videos, tutorials, practice problems, and other resources based on the data they receive.

And how does Khan Academy benefit from providing education? Well, they’re top employees are compensated handsomely. I couldn’t find the 2014 tax forms, but here’s their 2013 990 form. Supposedly CEO Salman Khan receives $556,000 as of 2015, with likely a bunch of first-class flights and other high-cost business expenses on top of that. That’s a lot of money, but I think it’s awesome. I’m a big fan of Khan Academy, and from what I can tell Salman Khan is a smart guy with good intentions. I’d rather him make a high salary while dedicating his efforts towards bettering education than working in a hedge fund, which is what he was doing before Khan Academy.