I recently read an article on flipping the classroom. Prior to reading this article I had heard the term, but didn’t know many details about what it entailed. Flipping the classroom involves recording lectures for students to watch for homework and filling class time with more interactive projects and assignments. Although this sounds like a good idea, this article made me realize that using technology in this way may not be the best option for students. Firstly, if lectures are recorded and watched at home students will be spending much of their night doing homework. If a student has five classes in an average day, they will be asked to spend five hours each night doing homework. I know that as a high school student I would not have been willing to do this.
Another issue related to flipping the classroom is its strong focus on lecturing. Many educators agree today that a passive lecture is not the best way to get students involved with content. It is difficult to create an interactive lecture if students are simply watching a video at home.
Also in relation to lecturing, teachers are often asked to think on their feet. If something seems to not be going well during a lecture, a teacher can change the tone and theme of their lecture. Another problem with this is that teachers never get live feedback on their lectures. It is difficult to change and grow if you are never made aware of flaws in your delivery.
Lastly there is the on-going debate about students’ access to technology outside the classroom. It could be very costly to a school district to provide the appropriate technology to all students that do not already have it. This is a problem that may become less severe in nature over time; however, as of now it is still a relevant issue.
After reading this article I realize that are definitely still issues regarding the use of technology in classrooms. Although on the surface technology always seems like the solution to the problem, it can actually create many new problems of its own. Prior to reading this article it seemed like the majority of things I heard about flipping the classroom were positive. This author, however, raised some very legitimate concerns. I realize now that it is important to look at all aspects of technology before implementing it in your classroom. Just because something is a “buzz word” doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the right thing to do. Although technology clearly has the potential to revolutionize education, it is important to proceed with caution before using it with your students.
After reading what you had to say about this article, flipping the classroom seems to be using technology for the sake of technology. I agree with you that no student wants to go to school all day then watch lectures online. My issue is how will the teacher know that the students are actually learning from these lectures? If the educator is filling class time with assignments and projects than there already is an environment set up for a student centered classroom where the teacher can teach indirectly through the projects and assignments. I know if I were asked to teach in this manner, I would not be feeling it at all. You wrap this article up nicely by stating that educators and school systems need to proceed cautiously with this revolutionary technology out there.
ReplyDeleteI initially opposed the idea of flipping a classroom, and still do as a replacement to a traditional classroom, but after some consideration, I think it can be used effectively. Its effectiveness would depend on the students, but I think it could work. Flipping a class a few times a month would not be too much to ask and would add more interactive components to the classroom. I have seen a few good online lectures that are accompanied by a PowerPoint and was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the experience. I found them to be time saving and flexible to my schedule. It seems like a lot to ask of students, but I believe they might welcome it occasionally if it means they can do something fun in class.
ReplyDeleteAnne Marie, I like how you realized that technology is oftentimes seen as a solution to educational problems, but it can also be the cause of educational problems. You did a great job summarizing the possible difficulties that teachers and students could face in "flipping the classroom" scenarios, and I definitely agree that such a set-up could hinder engagement, teacher flexibility, and teacher/student growth. Lecture-driven and non-interactive classes go against everything that we have learned in the College of Ed. On the other hand, in theory it would be nice to have students review the material before class so that we had more time for meaningful activities; the main problem being that students may choose not to listen to the lecture/assignment just like many of them choose not to do the assigned reading.
ReplyDeleteI actually like the idea of flipping the classroom. I do not think this is something you would do every day, but I could see this being utilized once a week. I think it would change the pace of the class and allow students to get more involved with lesson material during class with their peers. I do not think you could do this everyday, because I feel some students would not listen to the lectures. I also think this would allow teaching to be a little more fun. Changing things up for a teacher helps them get excited and motivated about the material. I think both sides benefit from this layout when done efficiently.
ReplyDeleteI agree that when used effectively, flipping the classroom can be a nice alternative to a traditional educational setting. I think a lot depends on how much time the teacher puts into online lectures and how engaging they are able to be through an online medium. I would definitely not argue that teachers shouldn't use this practice, I just think it is important that they proceed with caution. Like many of you mentioned, I don't think lectures can be online every single day, but it would be a nice thing to do occasionally to free up class time for more engaging, interactive activities.
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