Flipped Classrooms

        The idea of a flipped classroom, traditional classwork is done at home while homework is completed in class, can be traced to a 2008 experiment by Aaron Sams and Jonathan Bergmann http://flippedlearning.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=1. In a classroom where teachers have adapted this form of blended learning, students work at home and at their own pace. They watch short, interactive videos that contain content and objectives. The students then use class time to improve lessons and teachers engage with them on a one-on-one basis.

          I think this is just one more tool in the teaching toolbox and should not be used every day. But if it helps students take more interest in and responsibility for their own learning, I would implement it in my classroom by, first of all, devising a flipped strategy. I would start by asking myself a series of questions about technology and pedagogy: Will I make my own videos or use others’ material, such as Khan Academy? If I decide to make my own videos, what software should I use? Most importantly, I would need to plan valuable classroom time accordingly. Since I would not be lecturing as much, the time can be devoted to activities that lead to deeper knowledge and more on-on-one discussions.

           I would start small and videotape a short lesson in the beginning. I would introduce the concept to my students and teach them how to watch the videos. Ideally, I would also teach the parents about flipped learning so parents could be involved and comfortable with the idea.

I would start videotaping lessons for the following day using an interactive whiteboard and microphone. I would then post the videos to YouTube for students to view as homework or during part of class the next day. I would probably start with simple screen casting software such as Jing and Screencast-O-Matic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lND52-k15tw. If I had difficulty in making good videos, I could use a tool called FrontRow Juno lecture-capture system http://gofrontrow.com/en/juno.  I would give them practice problems to complete at home. During class time, I would have them briefly review the corresponding section in their textbook, thus reinforcing the knowledge they had gained by watching the video. Finally, I would give the students a quiz to determine the areas requiring more practice.