Flipped Classrooms – Fad or Favorite
*This presentation was created for Jan 4th, 2015 Institute Day
Flipped Classroom FAQ
- What is the flipped (inverted) class model?
Students view content (videos or readings) outside of class, and class time is used for activity and discussion.
- How do I create content?
You can create your own videos using smartboard technology or screen capturing software and webcams, but most content already has lessons available on youtube. Ask any question in youtube and you will probably find a video that explores the topic, many are well done productions, like Crash Course, SciShow and TED talks.
- How do you get students to come to class prepared?
Assignments are graded in some way before students arrive to class. Skyward has a quiz option, or you can set up an account with https://www.educanon.com where you can embed questions in videos.
*Avoid printed handouts of homework, students often will just copy from a neighbor and not actually watch the assignments.
*Avoid going over the content when students come to class. If they know there will be a recap, there is no incentive to watch the program ahead of time.
- Does every lesson need to be flipped?
I find the flipped model works well for some content, and not as well for others. Lectures do have a place in the classroom because it allows for student and teacher interaction. Flipping can reduce the amount of length of time lecturing, but I don’t see it eliminating lecturing altogether. Videos can also help to reinforce difficult concepts that students have already seen in class, but just don’t quite understand. (Would this be called a re-flip?)
- How do students react to this model?
Many are resistant at first, and require a lot of extra nagging to complete the homework. I found it works best if there is consistency. Students get used to watching 1-2 videos per week. I also stay in contact with students via social media (twitter and google + ) to remind them about assignments and link videos.
- What about students that don’t have computers or devices?
I haven’t yet encountered this with my group, though we do have open media center hours for students to use computers or do homework. Maybe one day, schools will allow students to rent devices the same way they rent textbooks.
Useful Links
Educanon – attach questions to videos, students answer the questions as they watch
Ted Ed – videos by topic, Ted has already created questions and discussions.
Screencastify – free screen capture software, using chrome
Youtube Channels – content that may be useful to your classes
