Imagine Bermuda will be hosting a community meeting next week to broaden public awareness about a successful online education tool called Khan Academy.

Founded by American Salman Khan in 2009, the Khan Academy website features thousands of educational resources and aims to provide “a free, world-class education” for people across the globe.

Parents, teachers, students and others across the Island, are invited to see a short film about the innovative online programme at CedarBridge Academy on Monday from 7pm to 8pm.

Following the film, a panel of local educators will offer their insights and answer questions on the site and its uses.

Taking part in the discussion will be Marva Allen, the recently-retired Mathematics Coordinator for the Ministry of Education; Jane Hizer, Head of Information Technology at Saltus; Robert Steede Head of Math at Cedarbridge; and Shaun Thomas, a teacher of Senior Math and Physics at Mount Saint Agnes.

“The meeting will conclude with an overview of a local ‘pilot’ training programme for ‘Champions of Khan’,” said Imagine Bermuda head Glenn Fubler.

“This four unit course, begins on April 29th and with the sponsorship of the Bermuda Union of Teachers, is being offered free of charge to educators, parents and other stakeholders.

“This train-the-trainers process is geared to have these ‘champions’ transfer their skills to their peer groups. The resulting cascade-effect can make ‘Khan’ accessible to a greater portion of the population; thus empowering more learners in Bermuda.”

Mr Khan not only earned three degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he also pursued an MBA from Harvard Business School.

In late 2004, he began using online tools to tutor his cousin in math.

After other relatives also began seeking out his help, Mr Khan decided it would be easier to create tutorials on YouTube.

The educational resources — which teach everything from astronomy, to mathematics, medicine and organic chemistry — became so popular Mr Khan decided to leave his job as a hedge fund analyst to focus on the website full-time in 2009.

The free resource has now become part of an international movement to empower learners from Kindergarten to Grade 12, as well as adults seeking to renew themselves.

It is currently being used by 10 million individuals per month across the globe.

Anyone interested in more information should attend the meeting at CedarBridge Academy on Monday, starting at 7pm. Those interested in the course should call 292-6515 to reserve a spot, as only limited space is available.