[jasonrr]

Our current belief is that there are several game mechanics and game-like visualizations that will help students measure their progress and maintain momentum. We don't know this for certain, but there is already anecdotal evidence that these kinds of things are motivating students at the Khan Academy. In the short term, the plan is to collect a lot of data to see exactly how these kinds of features impact the students and teachers that use them.

[aik]

Interesting. If you don't mind me asking, do you work for Khan Academy or are you just helping out on the side?

It makes sense that such an environment would increase motivation (and increase learning as a result). Our (I'm in the same field) goal with education technology is really the same goal I believe a teacher should have: to create and sustain the optimal learning environment to maximize student learning. Currently there's not much out there that does this well.

I'm interested in hearing more about this. Feel free to e-mail me if you want to bounce around some ideas!

[kamens]

Jason and I started out helping on the side and just recently began working full-time on K.A.

Always willing to chat about this stuff -- let us know what you're working on at some point.