The Flipped Classroom

I took my first technology class for my Elementary Education degree a couple years ago.  It was probably the hardest class I ever took, mainly because it stretched me into using technology.  Every week when I would open my assignments, I would tear up and feel like giving up before I even started.  I was having to think of education in a way I had never experienced, and I was having to create websites, videos, Prezi's, and more.  A lot of what we learned seemed to apply to secondary education, and it was difficult to find ways to apply the lessons to elementary lessons.  It was hard, but I came away from that class with a sense of accomplishment and a realization that technology is a fabulous tool for all grade levels.

Fast forward a couple of years, and I am in another technology course.  Again, I feel like I am being stretched and that my eyes are being opened to new possibilities.  I feel like I am coming to this course with a confidence that I was lacking before ... I CAN tackle these new lessons, assignments, experiences ... and I can find ways to apply these lessons to elementary education.  I can see possibilities as I open my mind to new ways of doing things.

This week's assignment focused on the flipped classroom.  I started this assignment with skepticism, but as usual, found great information, potential, and ways to apply it to the elementary classroom.  I learned that it isn't an all-or-nothing.  Flipping the classroom can be as much as flipping a lesson or two here or there to meet the needs of the class.  It can also be something that is built upon.

Some of the important lessons I learned this week are:

• Keep the online lectures short (5-6 minutes for upper elementary students).
• Use all the tools available to you to make the lectures engaging.  There is so much out there ... the possibilities are endless!
• Find a way to hold students accountable.
• Partner up with another teacher!
• The flipped classroom model can be easily used in math and science, but with some thought can be applied to other subjects, too.  (Check out this PE Coach's Flipped Classroom)
• Some lessons may be better taught traditionally; flipped teaching isn't all-or-nothing, it's just another tool for making the classroom friendlier to all students.

I made a little animated video about the flipped classroom.  Check it out!
Still have more questions or want information in a quick, localized spot?  Look at this cool info-graphic about the flipped classroom: