Technology is Flipping the Classroom

The use of technology in the classroom is constantly changing the way children learn. If you are an "old-school" teacher, you probably need to get on board the technology train in order to keep up in this job. Through the use of computers, notebook computers, and tablets, some teachers have begun recording digital video lectures, and loading them online for their students to access as homework. They go through the lesson, and then or the next day in class, they do the lesson exercise problems, and ask any questions at that time.

In an age where a student’s life is filled with online technology and videos already, conforming the education field into a platform that reaches them where they are also saves time in the classroom, allowing for more to be accomplished. Aside from being able to cover more in a day, teachers using this method also say that it gives them greater control of the material, and allows more face-time with the students. Plus, students are able to rewind and listen to the lectures more than once if they are having an issue with a section. If they run into a confused area, they are instructed to first reach out to a partner student, and if still confused, then it gets discussed in class the following day.

Author Lisa Neilsen wrote the book Teaching Generation Tech states that she sees the flipped classroom idea as having potential, but was concerned about lower income families who do not have any or adequate internet and computer access at home. I would agree with that concern myself, as it assumes (and requires) all students have adequate equipment, which may not be the case. My other personal concern is the time and work load increase on the student. Students typically go to school during the day for 6-8 hours, and come home where they have responsibilities and jobs in that time. If three, four or more classes operate as a flipped classroom, then that would mean the student would have to leave school, and come home to spend potentially another two to four hours (depending on lecture times) doing classroom lectures and work at home. It is adding an increased amount of home schooling to their schedule, making a good bulk of their schooling take place after hours. This can add an increased amount of stress to the student who still has to balance in a part time job and duties at home.

Neilsen goes on to say that she doesn't feel this type of lecturing is the best way to teach, and that a flipped classroom "could lead us down the path of doing more of something that doesn't work because it gives us more time to do it." One physics teacher in a NY school says that anything giving teachers more face time with students is good, but "lecturing, even at a leisurely pace, is still bad pedagogy. It's just kind of 'Lecture 2.0.'" Teachers using the flipped classroom scenario disagree, saying it makes students more independent, and less stressed out in class. She states "In an English class, you send the kids home to read a passage, and then in class you discuss that passage, why in math class am I more or less having them read the passage in class?" A valid point it seems.

What are your thoughts on the idea? Comment below.

Jeff McCormack resides in Virginia Beach, VA. where he works as a web designer by day. In his off time he is a husband, father, mail order book store manager, and musician. Aside from being a freelance writer for this Education Jobsite blog, he also seeks to assist in career choices and information by contributing to other Nexxt blog sites.