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Justin Kitch launches 'Curious' learning network (podcast)

Curious.com, a new video learning network, links experts and learners with enhanced tools.

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Larry Magid
Larry Magid is a technology journalist and an Internet safety advocate. He's been writing and speaking about Internet safety since he wrote Internet safety guide "Child Safety on the Information Highway" in 1994. He is co-director of ConnectSafely.org, founder of SafeKids.com and SafeTeens.com, and a board member of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Larry's technology analysis and commentary can be heard on CBS News and CBS affiliates, and read on CBSNews.com. He also writes a personal-tech column for the San Jose Mercury News. You can e-mail Larry.
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Larry Magid

A Curious.com class on eye makeup illustrates teaching tools. Screenshot by Larry Magid
It's called a "marketplace for online learning" and its goal is to connect students and teachers in a wide variety of subjects from salsa dancing to knife sharpening. If there is something you can teach or want to learn, Curious.com could be the place to start.

The $3 it costs to take this class is cheaper than a beer in most bars. Screen shot by Larry Magid
Co-founded by Justin Kitch, a former Intuit executive who founded Homestead, Curious.com empowers teachers to not only post video lessons but use other tools such as exercises, projects, discussion boards, and the ability to attach files. Teachers decide if their classes are free or if there is a charge -- typically between $1 and $3 per lesson.

Teachers can use the company's "Curious Lesson Builder" to build, publish, and market their lessons. Learners can submit "Curious Cards" to share their achievements and interact with teachers, according to Kitch.

Curious CEO Justin Kitch Ron Hemphill

In our interview (scroll down to listen) Kitch said he was inspired by YouTube which, he acknowledges, is a place where people post educational videos. But, he added, YouTube lacks many of the important features necessary for a good learning experience, including the ability to easily contact the instructor. Curious.com, said Kitch, started "with the idea of what we call a short format video-based lesson but added all these other things that we found to be really critical to creating a learning experience."

Click below to listen:


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