I generally like what Khan Academy is doing, but it is definitely not a complete replacement for the classroom. What you are seeing is a blowback against the t

I generally like what Khan Academy is doing, but it is definitely not a complete replacement for the classroom. What you are seeing is a blowback against the traditional classroom. Our school systems are so poorly run, that a guy with no teaching experience can create something insanely popular in the education industry. Why didn't a classroom teacher do what he did? Because our system does not reward teacher innovation and trying new things. Our system rewards obedience and conservatism. Our teachers (like our students) are taught to conform and do what the admins want. Those that don't are punished, sometimes directly, but most often indirectly. Poor salaries and bad working conditions mean the best and brightest do not become classroom teachers. Or, talented people who are classroom teachers bolt as soon as something better comes along. There are some high quality people who teach, but they are browbeaten so often that it turns the young, dynamic person into a cynical and slightly depressed professional. I don't have all the answers, but I do know it isn't more of the traditional classroom.