Flipping Classroom!

Discuss your thoughts about flipping the classroom. What are the benefits, challenges? How might you overcome them?

            Flipping Classroom is basically "invert traditional teaching methods, delivering instruction  online outside of class and moving homework into the classroom" (Knewton, 2010).  I did not realize what I am being using in terms of teaching is called a "Flipping Classroom".  Since I still consider myself a "Rookie " in the field of teaching , my first year was a "disaster". A lot of my students were bored and was not interested at all. I spent summer of 2012, in trying to come up with new ideas on how to deliver my lesson. My second year, which I used the ideas of having activities in classroom and lectures home-base. This is where I see the difference within my teaching as well as the student learning. The students are now more involved and showing a great improvement in their academic performance through the using of flipping classroom method.

            There are a lot benefits that is set forth by using "Flipping Classroom". Like I mentioned before that "flipping classroom" create an atmosphere of "fun-learning". The students are excited as well as being more interact among their peers with using flipping classroom.  Benefits of flipping classroom are interaction among peers and students gained understanding on the given lesson.  Another benefit of flipping classroom is " teacher are more important than ever" ( November & Mull, n.d). Within this case, the teacher now set with array of resources and they are to formulate questions based on the given lesson.  

            One of the challenges of "flipping classroom" , some students tend to have limited resources at home. Some does not afford to have Internet connection and the tools to complete these tasks. One of the solution that was given out by November and Mull was, " school should provide opportunities outside of the standard school day for when the school library is open, allowing students to use the computers" ( November & Mull, n.d). This is a great idea in terms of having the students use their time by using these tools in completing their lectures at home.  Another solution to overcome this challenge is establishing a program within the school to use computers.

            Overall, the Flipping Classroom method is a whole-new way to approach into today’s generation. Since their way of learning is through activities and usage of technology. Why not utilize the skills of the 21^st century within our classroom. 

How do you currently network and learn about teaching resources? What have you learned from reading and watching the resources provided? What will you do to expand your PLN?

I consider myself as a “Digital Native” and is willingly to expand my professional learning network.  A lot of new learning resources that was coined by Dr. Kathy Martin , a professor at University of Hawaii at Manoa to use in classroom. For instance, edmodo, blogging, voice-thread and the list goes on. One the most intriguing learning tool  is “blogging”.  I am in the verge of develop a lesson in blogging.   It is a much fun and exciting way to put your ideas in a journal –manner and post it online.

 Another useful tool is  “Edmodo”. Edmodo  is almost similar to facebook.  Facebook is a social utility in which connect families and friends. In contrast where Edmodo serve the purpose of  students collaboration, sharing ideas in a secure online posting. They can access from anywhere at anytime. I pilot using of “Edmodo” to my 12^th graders. In results, they loved it !

            One of the social media site that I have yet used  in classroom is “ Twitter “. I did an account when it first came about and I stopped using Twitter. By reading the article on “ how to use Twitter in classroom” by Alan November and Brian Mull, I figured this is a new approach in bringing real problems facing world in classroom setting.  There a lot of ways that “Twitter” can be a powerful tool in classroom . As stated in the article, Twitter brings authentic conversation in classroom ( November & Mull).  Authentic conversation meaning real-life conversation on a particular heading or subject. In which , I find  Twitter a useful tool in terms of getting to current issues around the world. This applied to all subject courses in which they can applied was in taught in classroom and relate to real-life situation through “Twitter”. Another fascinated social media tool that is mentioned in the article is “Skype”.  Skype is a free Internet call to anywhere in the world.  In which we can use Skype as a tool to get representatives to talk more on issues on the given lessons.

            However, I am on the verge to expand my PLN by incorporating a lot of resources that was given in EDCS 480 course in the classroom. I will start inviting other teachers in my school to be part of this movement. So that we can develop a rigorous learning environment with the touch of technology !