Both Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs and Khan Academy's Mastery System offer personalized, self-paced learning environments. CBE programs provide a more structured and supported educational experience, suitable for formal degree programs, while Khan Academy offers a free and easily accessible platform for supplemental learning and skill development.
| Attribute | Competency-Based Education (CBE) Programs | Personalized Learning Platforms (e.g., Khan Academy Mastery System) |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum Structure | Can be either standardized around specific competencies or adaptive to personalize learning pathways. CBE combines intentional curriculum design with varied timelines for demonstrating competencies. | — |
| Assessment Methods | Focus on demonstrating mastery through skills assessments, projects, and real-world applications rather than standardized tests. Common assessment types include prior learning assessments, formative assessments, and summative assessments. | — |
| Pacing Flexibility | Self-paced | — |
| Learning Resources | CBE programs utilize technology tools and platforms to facilitate personalized learning and provide timely feedback. They incorporate multimedia content like videos, simulations, and educational games. Effective learning resources are available anytime and are reusable. | — |
| Technology Integration | Technology is leveraged to personalize learning, provide timely feedback, and track student progress. Learning Management Systems (LMS) with adaptive learning pathways and intelligent content recommendations are common. | — |
| Instructor Role | Instructors act as facilitators, providing guidance and support rather than direct instruction. They offer personalized academic support and mentorship. | — |
| Personalization Level | CBE emphasizes personalized learning pathways with clear learning outcomes. Learning experiences are tailored to individual needs, abilities, and learning styles. | — |
| Competency Measurement | Mastery is demonstrated through assessments. Progress is measured by persistence, pace, completion of competencies, and continuous enrollment. | — |
| Support Services | Students have access to faculty mentors, academic advisors, and student success coaches. Support includes tutoring, mentoring, and recommendations for academic resources. | — |
| Cost and Affordability | CBE can lower costs and reduce completion time. Accelerated learning, alternative pricing (subscription models), and credit for prior learning can lead to cost savings. | — |
| Accreditation and Recognition | CBE programs can be credit-based, direct assessment-based, or hybrid. Institutions seeking Title IV eligibility need approval from their regional accreditor. | — |
| Scalability and Implementation Complexity | Implementing CBE requires careful planning, technology integration, and educator support. Initial investment for developing a two-year degree program is significant. | — |