Technology is transforming what happens when a child goes to school

FOR a ten-year-old, Amartya is a thoughtful chap. One Monday morning at the Khan Lab School (KLS) in Mountain View, California, he explains that his maths is "pretty strong" but he needs to work on his writing. Not to worry, though; Amartya has a plan. He will practise grammar online, book a slot with an English teacher and consult his mentor. Later he will e-mail your correspondent to ask for help, too. This is the sort of pluck KLS produces. Its pupils do not have homework or report cards or spend all day in classrooms.