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22 comments:

  1. Hi Amber! Terrific blog! I like the format. You supplement your textual content well with engaging videos and graphics. Although I already knew quite a bit about flipped classrooms before viewing your blog, I nevertheless learned a great deal. To date, I have never flipped my classroom, but I hope to in the future. There are certainly many advantages to doing this. I was wondering if, in the course of your research, you have come across any disadvantages to this approach. One that I can think of is access. Some students might not have access to the devices (i.e., computer, iPad, etc.) and internet technologies that the flipped classroom requires. Another disadvantage is that this teaching model relies heavily on student motivation. How do we ensure that students actually watch the videos? What are your thoughts on this? Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? As instructors, I think we have to consider the resources available to our students, as well as the learning styles of our students. I think the flipped classroom can be a great tool, but it is just one of many. I think that variety is key as we try to meet each student's learning needs.

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    1. Thanks Stephanie. I also knew quite a bit about flipped classrooms, but still came out with a lot of new information. I did come across a few disadvantages, but they weren't mentioned often and you hit both of them. Like you said, lack of student access was one and student motivation was the other. In my finding, I did not see many solutions for the problems. But I do think the positives definitely outweigh the negatives, if the students have the resources.

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  2. Hello again! Below are some links to resources I have come across that pertain to the flipped classroom. I thought that you and your readership might find them interesting.

    Flipping your classroom - 13 must read resources
    http://www.psdschools.org/academics/instructional-technology/teacher-resources/flipped-classroom

    Should you flip your classroom?
    http://www.edutopia.org/blog/flipped-classroom-ramsey-musallam

    The advantages and disadvantages of the flipped classroom
    http://info.lecturetools.com/blog/bid/59158/The-Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-the-Flipped-Classroom

    Five reasons against the flipped classroom
    http://www.stratostar.net/blog/2012/07/02/educate/five-reasons-against-the-flipped-classroom/

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  3. Hi Amber! I really enjoyed reading your blog on Flipped Classroom. I think your explanation on what a flipped classroom is really hits the nail on its head. When you stated that "a flipped classroom is when students watch instructional videos outside of the classroom. In-class time is used for application." I was really able to see myself using that quote to explain a flipped classroom to my students parents. Although I've never used flipped classroom in my own classroom, I am see that there are numerous advantages to it. Do you think flipping an elementary classroom would be effective? Or do you think it should be saved for older grades when students are more independent with their work? Your blog had great flow, and the videos and graphic really added to the content. It shows that you put a lot of time and effort into this blog.

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    1. Hi Laura! I agree that Amber did a terrific job with her blog. You pose a really interesting question. I have often wondered the same thing. I researched flipping the elementary classroom. It seems like the verdict is still out. Some say it can and should be done; others say it cannot. I think it can be done. With the younger grade levels (i.e., K-2), I think the videos need to be short, say 1-2 minutes. The older grade levels (i.e., 3-6) have longer attention spans, so the videos can be longer. One online article (see http://flipped-learning.com/?p=883) suggests 1-2 minutes per grade level. What are your thoughts on this? Are any of your colleagues flipping their classrooms?

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    2. Hi Amber and Stephanie,
      To answer your question, not I do not have any colleagues filling their classrooms. Do either of you? I think in theory it sounds like a wonderful idea, but when you put it into reality there are a handful on concerns that arise. I know that for my students, computer availability and/or internet connection would be one. Because of the type of area I teach, a lot of my students do not have access to either of those. Also, I do not know how many of my families would follow through on the assignment. I know it gets frustrating taking a lot of time a putting a lot of energy into something that families do not use, and I feel that right now that is how a flipped classroom would be for me.

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    3. Thanks Laura! I do not know anyone who has flipped their classroom either. I think it can be done in elementary schools, but with some tweaks. Like Stephanie said, the lessons must be shorter. Plus, they also do not have the motivation that the older students have. I teach 4th grade and it is amazing how much homework they miss. But it is because they do not have parental support. I cannot image me assigning digital assignments to do at home. They do not have the resources need. An alternative option is to have students access the technology during a specials time, such as computer or library, or during after school programs.

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  4. Hi Amber!

    Awesome blog! I like the resources you included such as TED Talk and the Aaron Sams video. I was wondering if you think that classroom flipping would also work for Language Arts? I was thinking that it would be difficult given that practice is so important for fluency.

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    1. Hi Ada! You pose a really good question. Having been an English major during undergrad, I was actually wondering the same thing. It seems as though most classes that are flipped are math or science classes and not humanities classes. That being said, I personally think any class can be flipped. Here are two great online resources I found that deal with flipping a language arts classroom. Enjoy!

      -What it means to flip English
      http://www.morrisflipsenglish.com/1/post/2012/06/what-it-means-to-flip-english.html

      -Katie Gimbar demonstrating a Language Arts topic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaP-DtZ088o&feature=youtu.be

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    2. Awesome! I would assume that I was not the first person wondering. :) Are you planning on flipping your classroom as well (at some point)? Do you think that it's something your district would want? You teach a younger grade so I am sure it is more difficult.

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    3. Hi Ada. It is possible, however it is more challenging. I think it would be easier for lower grades who are introducing phonics, versus fluency. It will also be a little easier for comprehension. The links Stephanie provided are great and helpful. (Thanks Stephanie!)

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  5. Hi Amber!

    Great job on your blog! I like the way you organized each section and provided clear explanations. The videos you included were a great way to show how flipping a classroom affects both the student and teacher. I love the idea of flipping my classroom but am not quite ready to dive in. It is great to gather more and more information and resources about the process. My biggest concern with a flipped classroom is that I work in a community where many students are from unstable homes so I am not sure how successful it would be to expect students to watch an instructional lesson/lecture each night. Great job!

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    1. Hi Meghan! You bring up a really interesting point. Access is key to the success of a flipped classroom. What do we do about students who do not have access to the Internet at home? Some instructors have decided to provide such students with access during study hall, recess or even during class. I am not sure how I feel about this because approaching it this way draws attention to the fact that the student does not have access. Other instructors have opted to create DVDs of the videos that students can then view at home instead of watching the videos online - but this assumes access to a device to play the DVD and, again, draws attention to the student's situation. What are your thoughts on these options? Do you think an instructor should only flip his/her class if he/she is certain that all students will have access at home?

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    2. Hi Megan! I'm in the same boat you are! I cannot commit to a flipped classroom without having all students having access to the materials. I wouldn't be setting my students up for success if I started it with only half of the students having access. I think keeping them in during recess would be unfair. They need to get their energy out and have a chance to be kids. My only option would be to have them watch the videos in computer or library specials.

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    3. Hi Ladies!

      I agree that keeping students in during recess is unfair and unhealthy. They need and deserve that down time. That also assumes that students have recess. Utilizing a study hall to access the videos would be great but again that would assume a student has a study hall. At my school which is 5th and 6th grade, we do not have recess (I know it's terrible!) nor do the students have study halls. We do of course have related arts time each day, however I am not allowed to keep any students back due to the fact that one of the goals of related arts teachers for DPAS is attendance and participation in their classes. Right now I don't have an answer to how to ensure every student has access. The only thing I can think of is if the city were to move to a city wide wifi program which provided free or reduced wifi to everyone in the city like a few cities have done. This would solve part of the problem, however for my town it is a long way off and it still would not guarantee the student had a internet capable device. I think it will be possible in the future, but I am not sure that my school is at a point where it is possible. But that being said, it is great to learn as much as I can now so that I am ready when full implementation is possible!

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  6. Great blog on the flipped classroom concept. I think that flipping a classroom is a very intriguing idea but we just do not have all the necessities within my classroom to accomplish this yet. I definitely think the main advantage is how much time it frees up for student practice. I also really enjoy the Katie Gimbar videos. I think she gives a great example of how practical flipping your classroom can be. I also liked the benefits that you listed for students and teachers. Pacing is a huge deal because everyone can go at their own pace which makes everything more differentiated. It also brings up the idea of reaching multiple learning styles, once again this also helps with differentiation. Of course increased interaction is another bonus because students are definitely more engaged if they are using technology and taking more responsibility for their own learning. I think the idea of a teacher becoming more of a learning coach is great. It allows the teacher to assist rather than lecture and really focus on student progress. Have you tried to do any flipped lesson in your class? Thanks for the information!

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  7. Hi Lyndsey! I agree that Amber did a terrific job with her blog. I also agree that one of the greatest benefits to flipping the classroom is the amount of instructional time it frees up for practical application and differentiated learning. I am looking forward to flipping my classroom in the future. I teach Windows and Microsoft Office. My plan is to create screencasts of my how-to lectures. Students will view these outside of class. (I know that access will not be an issue, as all students can use the open access computer lab.) Then, during class, I will focus on practical application. Students will work on projects and have access to me as they do so. The videos will be available all semester so they can review as necessary. I can't wait to see how my students respond to this approach. I think we may be able to cover more material by using the flipped classroom approach.

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    1. That sounds like a great idea. I hope it goes well and I can imagine that it will let you use your classtime in a much more valuable way. It seems that it would be a great benefit to your students as well!

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    2. Hi Lyndsey,
      Although I am not at the point of flipping my classroom, I am also trying to incorporate more videos and tutorials that the students can access outside of the classroom. I would love to flip my classroom but right now it just isn't possible in my school. I do think though that creating the videos and tutorials is a step in the right direction. It can allow students to work ahead, work at a slower pace or just review a concept they are working on at home. I have also started using them during my intervention class. This allows me to assign specific needs based assignments for students at different levels while I am working with different students in a small group. The more we can differentiate the learning of students while providing them with strong instructional tools the more they will succeed. I have found that educreations is a great way to easily create these tutorials for my students. I love using it!

      http://www.educreations.com/

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  8. Hi Lyndsey. I have not flipped my classroom yet. If all of my students had computer access, I would do it in a heartbeat! With all of the benefits it offers, I think it will be a rapidly spreading trend!

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    1. Yes, it seems like accessability will remain to be the biggest issue. I also agree, I think is will be a growing trend. I have also been thinking that many schools may start using something like this for homebound students.

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