What a concept! When I first heard of this concept, I truly loved it! It flipped the idea of a traditional classroom in which we teach the concept and attempt to ensure students have a comprehension of the concept. The idea of having students, in advance, go over what I will teach the following day! Really? Talk about preparation! That would mean that I would have more time for hands on activities, answering questions, peer tutoring, etc is what came to my mind. ( I now understand it's more than just that idea). So I signed up for a distance learning class and I enjoyed it. I began digging into resources about this new concept that I found out folks were already doing it! Where had I been all this time! I never questioned whether I could do it. I am just ready TO do it!
Flipping a classroom is the way to go! I see less cost in transportation for the school and the parent. I know there would be more bandwith yet I see a student and teacher in a more relaxed atmosphere as well. Teachers still have to prepare and students must still learn. So just because he may not be at a desk or in a uniform by no means equates to him/her not learning. Being in a familiar environment and comfortable could actually be a plus for the student. My district, CCISD, already has teachers promoting this idea. Cant wait to see them in action. I think it would be a good idea, to begin with, having maybe 2 campuses per level (elementary, middle, and high school) piloting the process and reporting with the outcomes. I would love to be apart of this pilot or community as it expands in CCISD, which is made up of almost 40,000 students and lead by Dr. Greg Smith, who was just named Superintendent of the Year, by Texas Association of School Boards. We have a large student body and our demographics are constantly changing. Adapting to the 21st Century Learner is super important. Having a cell phone in the classroom should be like having a textbook in the earlier teaching days. Straight lecture for a class period should be obsolete. Who can listen to someone talk that long. It's been reported that a student can listen to someone speak (in minutes) equal to the student's age. So, if the student is 13 years old, he/she can listen for 13 minutes and then you know what happens!.....WOW! Imagine that! So what are you doing differently in your classroom!
There are many resources available when it comes to flipping your classroom. You can view Edmodo which has a Flip Share Group, the Flipped Learning Network, and more. There are many ideas to get you started and that truly helps! Don't be afraid to try something new. You won't know if IT works unless YOU work it! Sophia, Khan Academy, pencasts, online projects, are more tools available for your usage in trying out this new concept.
There are blogs about flipping the classroom. There are conferences in references to flipping your classroom. Your administrators know about it and may be willing to assist if you just ask. I did and my principal has spoken to me about this topic with eagerness. Check out the above mentioned resources and more! Maybe you have a technology specialist at your school, seek his/her help! This concept is not just about the teacher, student, and school. Parents are an integral part of it as well because they want to ensure their child is learning. Inquire about districts that have tried this! I'm so ready to begin and see the outcomes with my students! Are you!
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