Flipping the Classroom

The first session I attended at the EdCamp Conference at Hamline was about a vaguely familiar, yet very undefined concept for me. It turns out “Flipping the Classroom” is a rapidly growing practice among educators, especially those attempting to utilize the vast technological resources that are becoming more accessible to the classroom and students alike. In simple terms, Flipping the Classroom is utilizing technology resources to deliver content via video, podcasts, or other web based tools to make better utilization of actual face-to-face class time to tackle more complex problems, student led activities/discussions and other constructivist types of learning.

Flipping the Classroom Visualized

Jackie Gerstein, Ed.D., J.G. (2011, June 13). The flipped classroom model: a full picture [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://usergeneratededucation.wordpress.com/2011/06/13/the-flipped-classroom-model-a-full-picture/

In itself, the session itself was a bit overwhelming because there were a slew of ideas and resources that were being shared and reflected upon. Luckily, some of my peers took some great notes on meetingwords.com, including the URLs of many of the resources discussed.

In particular, Jackie Gerstien’s blog, (http://usergeneratededucation.wordpress.com) provided a great resource to retreat back to after the conference and I had time to explore and filter some of the great new tools and ideas I had been exposed to.

Simple searches and links provided through my growing Twitter PLN have been a bit surprising how widely used the “Flipped Classroom” is. One commonly used resource, especially in math, Khan Academy, is a great example of what is possible in terms of quality content delivery through video resources. Another great source of teacher collaboration on the topic is the Flipped Classroom Network. (http://vodcasting.ning.com/)

As it turns out, in many ways I have already been using the idea of the Flipped Classroom through the use of directed Webquests, online Prezi presentations with embedded video and other activities that embodied some of the same principles of a flipped classroom, but not necessarily utilizing all the available tools to really maximize the student experience.

Moving forward, one area I am very excited to use more regularly is requiring my students to do more reflection and response through their own creation of content, whether that is a class wiki, or a personalized blog. Beyond that I have a renewed attention to the ISTE skills for 21st Century digital learners (http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students.aspx).

• Demonstrate creativity and innovation
• Communicate and collaborate
• Conduct research and use information
• Think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
• Use technology effectively and productively

As I plan and design my lessons, I hope to include elements of these standards to not only engage my students but better prepare them to successfully navigate your ever-changing world.