Flipped classroom and blended learning
- 1. Flipped Classroom The flipped classroom is a pedagogical model in which the typical lecture and homework elements of a course are reversed. Short video lectures are viewed by students at home before the class session, while in-class time is devoted to exercises, projects, or discussions. The video lecture is often seen as the key ingredient in the flipped approach, such lectures being either created by the instructor and posted online or selected from an online repository.
- 2. How does Flipped Classroom work? There is no single model for the flipped classroom—the term is widely used to describe almost any class structure that provides prerecorded lectures followed by in-class exercises. In one common model, students might view multiple lectures of five to seven minutes each. Online quizzes or activities can be interspersed to test what students have learned. Immediate quiz feedback and the ability to rerun lecture segments may help clarify points of confusion.
- 3. Flipped Classroom work pros 1. Students have more control In a flipped classroom, it is possible for students to have increased input and control over their own learning. By providing short lectures at home, students are given the freedom to learn at their own pace. Students may pause or rewind the lectures, write down questions they may have, and discuss them with their teachers and peers in class. 2. It promotes student-centered learning and collaboration Flipped classrooms allows class time be used to master skills through collaborative projects and discussions. This encourages students to teach and learn concepts from each other with the guidance of their teachers. By allowing students to partake in their own learning, they are able to own the knowledge they achieve, which in turn builds confidence. Furthermore, teachers are given the ability to identify errors in thinking or concept application, and are more available for one-on-one interaction.
- 4. 3. Lessons and content are more accessible (provided there is tech access) By making video lectures available at all times online, students who are forced to miss class due to illness, sports, vacations or emergencies, can catch up quickly. This also gives teachers more flexibility when they themselves are sick and also eliminates make-up assignments. 4. Access = easier for parents to see what’s going on Unlike traditional classroom models, flipped classrooms give parents 24/7 access to their student’s video lectures. This allows parents to be better prepared when attempting to help their students and gives them insight into the quality of instruction their students are receiving.
- 5. Flipped Classroom work cons 1. It can create or exacerbate a digital divide One of the most prominent issues is the necessity for students to have access to a computer and Internet in order to view the lectures. This is particularly hard on students from low-income districts who already have limited access to resources. 2. It relies on preparation and trust There is also the concern that since flipped classrooms are dependent on student participation, one must trust students to watch the lectures at home. Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee students will oblige or cooperate with the flipped model.
- 6. 3. There is significant work on the front-end Additionally, there is a concern that implementing a flipped classroom adds an extra workload on teachers, as there are several elements that must be integrated carefully to allow the class to flourish. Responsibilities include taping and uploading condensed lectures, which take time and skill, and introducing activities in the classroom that will enhance the subject matter as well as motivate students to participate and prepare for class. Though teachers can gradually integrated flipped elements into their classrooms, it will still require additional time and effort from teachers. 4. Not naturally a test-prep form of learning Whether you think this is a good or a bad thing is another conversation, but it’s important to realize that generally speaking, flipped classrooms do not “teach to the test.” Flipped classrooms do not follow the model of teaching to improve standardized test scores. However, teachers and students are still required to spend a sizable portion of time preparing for state mandated testing, which in turn interrupts the flipped classroom process.
- 7. Blended Learning The term blended learning is generally applied to the practice of using both online and in-person learning experiences when teaching students. In a blended-learning course, for example, students might attend a class taught by a teacher in a traditional classroom setting, while also independently completing online components of the course outside of the classroom. In this case, in-class time may be either replaced or supplemented by online learning experiences, and students would learn about the same topics online as they do in class—i.e., the online and in-person learning experiences would parallel and complement one anothe
- 8. A blended learning approach ensures that the learner is engaged and driving his/her individual learning experience. In addition, since difference students have unique learning styles, a blended approach is more likely to cater to those needs. We’ve listed out a few pros and cons for you.
- 9. Blended Learning pros Collaborative learning experiences. Collaboration between the students and instructor can increase substantially via an online training platform. With many collaborative tools (online discussions, blogs, instant messages, etc.) the students are able to connect with each other in or out of the classroom. Increased accessibility. Improves access as well as student attitudes towards learning. The students are given the tools to access the course materials anytime, anywhere. Better communication. Communication is improved between lecturers and part-time/full-time students. An online training platform can provide many communication tools such as news announcements, e-mail, instant messaging, online discussions, online grading tool, dropboxes, and more. Successful evaluations. Better student evaluations via the use of online testing and assessments with reporting features. Often times, the students can evaluate themselves better as well with immediate grading or feedback.
- 10. Blended Learning cons Strong technological dependence. The tech resources and tools need to be reliable, easy to use, and up to date in order for the use of the Internet to have a meaningful impact on the learning experience. Lack of IT knowledge. IT literacy can serve as a significant barrier for students attempting to get access to the course materials. The availability of technical support is a must. Students can fall behind. The use of lecture recording technologies can result in students falling behind on the material. Nearly half of all students will wait and watch several weeks’ worth of videos in one sitting, rather than on a regular basis.
- 11. Differences and similarities of blended learning and flipped classrooms Blended Learning is a combination of online learning, and face-to-face learning (often referred to as “traditional learning”). The online learning includes components like video, games, podcasts, online reading material, and online assignments. These can be accessed from home (or anywhere you have access to the Internet), and are usually delivered through a learning management system (LMS). Online learning does not replace traditional learning, instead the two methods of learning are used complementary together, to create a full and inclusive learning experience. Flipped Classroom learning is when you reverse the delivery method in traditional learning. Traditional delivery of learning is reading, watching, and absorbing learning material in class, and being tasked with work to complete at home. In a flipped learning classroom, teachers, administrators and instructors prepare audio or video lectures for learners to watch at home, on their own time. The time in class is spent on working through the concepts being delivered, with the guidance of an instructor. Complementary to all of this is an online platform where learners and instructors can discuss with one another.