Does a flipped classroom have to involve using a video?

the short answer: no

Robert Talbot, PhD, author of Flipped Learning, A guide for higher Education Faculty, says that flipped learning is

"a pedagogical approach in which first contact with new concepts moves from the group learning space to the individual learning space in the form of a structured activity, and the resulting group space is transformed into a dynamic, interactive learning environment where the educator guides students as they apply concepts and engage creatively in the subject matter. "

by this definition alone, it's clear that the learning that happens ahead of time does not have to be a video.  The author asserts that the misconception that flipped classrooms are intricately tied to videos has to do with the popularity , but also misunderstanding of the book, Flip Your Classroom, Reach every student every day, by Aaron Sams and Jonathan Bergmann.  This is the book on which most of my blog posts have been based, and is an excellent resource for flipped classrooms.  Both of the authors primarily used videos in their flipped classrooms but nowhere in the book did they say that videos HAD to be used.  Another reason for the general educator's confusion on this issue lies with the Khan Academy. This is a very well known method for teaching Math- utilizing videos to front load the information.

So, what are the alternatives?

1. Text + Structured Activity-   Some students learn better by reading either online or in paper form.  The key here is to add a structured activity, rather than just assigning reading and telling students to come ready to discuss.

2. Audio + Structured Activity- this could be a podcast or some other form of audio.

3. Text + social annotation + structured Activity- this is reading with notes and social interaction

4. Games + structured activity- some students learn best through games and it can spark their curiousity.

5. Simulations + structured Activity- this allows students to play around with interactive models that will pique their interest later.

So, clearly flipped classrooms do not have to be videos.  I still have a lot to learn and try to implement this school year.

Let me know what you think in the comments!

Resource:
http://rtalbert.org/flipped-learning-without-video/

Flipped classrooms in practice

In Northern Virginia's editorial article, Technology Goes to School, the author makes the point that flipped classrooms, blended learning and one to one programs are changing the way students learn and think.   "In a 21st century model, it's not what you know that's important, it's what you can do with that knowledge."

Digital technology breaks down barriers and enhances learning.  This article states that pen and paper are not going extinct, but that technology is there to improve the learning experience.

We don’t see pen and paper as extinct,” says Timothy Flynn, director of instructional services in Loudoun County Public Schools. “There is always a place for books, reading and writing. Technology is not a substitute but an enhancement. Our emphasis is always on instruction and how technology can improve it.”

There are many ways that technology is creating new excitement in Loudoun County students.  They are finding connections with the outside world and bringing those connections to the classroom.  Specifically, flipped classrooms can free up more time to discuss and analyze the content with their teacher.

When addressing the concern about increased technology use leading to too much screen time, Derek Kelley, coordinator of instructional technology integration at Fairfax County Public Schools, said, "This gives the students more control over how, what and where they learn,"

Many of the classrooms in Fairfax County are flipped, which allows students more time to collaborate face to face.  It actually reduces screen time because students are doing their homework, watching videos, at home, and then coming to school to work in groups.

Overall, the article points out that flipped classrooms are just one of the many ways that technology is improving our classrooms.  It's time for us to embrace all of the possibilities, rather than being afraid and stagnant.

Latest Trend in Flipped Classrooms

According to the latest reports, flipped classrooms continue to grow, unlike other digital trends. (flippedclassroomworkshop.com)    " A quarter of administrators identified flipped classroom as having a major effect on learning".  (The Journal Reporting)

This website goes on to say that major news reports on flipped classrooms are happening every day.  This will soon become the norm, rather than a trend.  I'm eager to learn more about the ins and outs of flipped classrooms and see if I am able to utilize some of the methods this Fall.

What do Aaron and Jonathan say about a flipped classroom?

Hi there!

If I were Aaron Sams and Jonathan Bergmann, what would they say about a flipped classroom?

I think the biggest component that they would want everyone to know and take away from their book is that flipped classroom speaks the language of the students.

"Today's students grew up with Internet access, YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, and a host of other digital resources. "  " The sad thing is that most students are carrying in their pockets a more powerful computing device than the vast majority of computers in underfunded schools - and we don't allow them to use it."

I definitely agree with this concept.  Too often, we, as educators, want to shut technically away instead of figuring out a way to leverage it.  If we see it as a tool that can be used to enhance learning, than we're on the right track.  Flipped classrooms allow students to use what they have at their disposal and feel validated in their desire to become more and more digitally focused.

The fear that many educators have is the misuse of technology.  I agree that this is a legitimate concern and I don't want to dismiss it with " just have rules and consequences."

If teachers can be provided training on classroom management techniques that can address these concerns, I feel that there would be more buy in.

Implications for Education and a Flipped Classroom

There are many ways that flipping your classroom will improve your educational practice.  It may seem like more work initially, but in the end it buys you time.  I am excited to potentially try this out in my music classroom in the Fall.

I don't love talking too much in music because of course, the goal is for them to be playing or singing. I could record videos of myself explaining the music theory behind a song and then the next day, we can play the song more quickly because everyone will be on the same page regarding the dynamics, tempo, rhythm, notes and other music theory elements.   Another way I see this being beneficial is to record myself singing and performing the choreography.  I have actually done this a lot with musicals that I've directed.  I notice a big difference when a video has been made and I can tell instantly who watched the video and who didn't.  One last way I can see this being an excellent addition to my teaching practice is to record myself playing the xylophone and/or recorder.  Students could practice with me at home and then return to school ready to go.

I feel this book is a great and easy read with a lot of practical information for educators.  I'll admit that I did not fully understand flipped classroom.  Thankfully, I feel my eyes have been opened to this possibility and more.

Why should educators flip their classroom?

This is the second blog post in a series of posts about the flipped classroom.

There are many reasons why a teacher might consider flipping their classroom.  In the book, Flip your Classroom, authors Bergmann and Sams propose that one of the many benefits of the flipped classroom is that slower processors can pause, rewind or rewatch videos. No longer are you rewarding the fastest learners.  In addition, classroom management no longer becomes an issue because there is not an audience for those misbehaving students.  Also, teachers who need to be absent can simply record their lessons and have their students watch and therefore not get behind.

The implications to education are enormous. Not all flipped classrooms use videos.  The main idea is the desire to redirect the attention in a classroom away from the teacher and onto the learners.  Students who struggle can now get one on one remediation with their teacher.  I think the possibilities are endless and I'm eager to learn more.

What do you think?

What is the flipped classroom?

Good evening all! This will be the first of a series of blog posts about the flipped classroom.  I admit when I first started learning about this model of teaching, I didn't fully understand it.   I can now see that it's sound practice and can be truly beneficial to our students, which is why we do everything we do!


Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams, authors of the book, Flip your Classroom, met while teaching chemistry at Woodland Park HS in Colorado.  While troubleshooting how to handle students who habitually missed class due to sports, they came upon the idea of recording their lessons.  From that starting point, they developed and fine tuned the flipped mastery model. This allows for greater personalization because students can work at their own pace.  The overall message of this book is that flipped classrooms should be done because it's better for the students.  It's not done because someone thinks it's the latest and greatest innovation.  This model can be implemented in any content and any age level.

Introduction and Mission

Good Evening!
My name is Kim Ogorek and I am a music educator who is currently completing a Masters program in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Designing Digital Learning in Schools.  The purpose of this blog is to share my thoughts with other educators about how to incorporate all of the principles of this program into a teaching practice.