See http://www.khanacademy.org/
Khan Academy is a phenomenal place to learn many useful technical subjects. The level of subjects spans middle school through university education. A bright, motivated student, young or old, can potentially learn a subject in short order, that might otherwise take many months. Note that the presentations alone are probably insufficient, as one must work exercises and apply knowledge to truly learn it, and supplemental information from the web or books might be helpful, too. Still, Khan Academy is an amazing resource, and it potentially foretells the future of education.
In some ways, Khan Academy is revolutionary and disruptive, because its spirit counters the common, burdensome, tracking and age-locked education system of today. By using this site, a bright, motivated kid -- with proper guidance and assistance -- could acquire much of a quality college education by age eighteen.
If public education were properly redesigned, the teacher's role would change from information spoon-feeder, taskmaster, disciplinarian and baby sitter to tutor and consultant. Higher quality education could be delivered at lower cost, and the stature and importance of teachers in society would be restored to its proper, high level. Why should a teacher deliver the same, ad-hoc, boring lectures over and over, year-in and year-out? It makes no sense.
Meanwhile, these courses can help a student readily master standard school courses and sprint ahead. Parents, educators, students, and self-educators take note!
