Click on the link to read the article:http://www.techlearning.com/Default.aspx?tabid=67&EntryId=3993
Mobile Technology and keeping it in the Clouds enables us to connect to and engage our students in new and exciting ways. This author offers some interesting solutions and gives us a practical way to flip our classrooms. Do you think you would be open to teaching this way? Why or why not?
42 comments:
I believe that "flipping" a classroom would prove to be beneficial in any class and for all! If I knew how to go about adapting future lessons, and if I had the technology accessible within my classroom, then I would most certainly use this technology to better assist my students. This is with out a doubt a step in the right direction
I think its a great idea. I remember when I was in school and the teacher had his or her back turned I would always be doing something else. If the teacher is able to see the class then everyone can be more focused on the task at hand. Brendan D
It would be good to integrate technology into the classroom like this, but it would take a lot of time to train teachers to utilize this method, as well as create programs where this kind of integration would be efficient. But I do think that a teacher should be as involved in the lesson as the students are, since modeled behavior is very beneficial. This would be a great way of doing just that.
I think this is definitely a step in the right direction. One of my biggest challenges while student teaching was that I was always stuck at the front of the room where the board was and rarely moved around the classroom. Handheld devices would allow teachers to move around the room more and even force them to move around the room more. I think this is a great idea. If I am understanding it correctly I would definitely be open to teaching this way.
I think by reversing the presentation by using I-pads each student will be more focused on the presentation and the lessons will be more student-centered. I will definitely be open to teaching this way. I know with the advancement in technology it will help the students become more engaged in their learning.
I feel that reversing or flipping the classroom would enhance many lessons across several subject areas. It will also come with many detractors, those comfortable teachers who still use "chalk talk". As well as setting standards, keeping students on task. Whenever possible it is always favorable for a teacher to put the lesson into the hands of the students. Patrick F.
I would definitely be open to teaching this way. Fortunately, my schools both have advanced technology and we are strongly encouraged to use the technology with our students. The students tend to respond better when using the technology as it is something they are already used to/enjoy using. Many of the students feel comfortable using the technology and are able to better display their knowledge of the content as they are more comfortable and proficient using the technology.
I am lucky enough to be in a classroom with one of the only SmartBoard in my school and a set of 30 iPads are made available to the students. I think that having each student involved enhances a lesson and is a great motivating tool. Most of the time, my students are the ones telling me how to use or fix something related to technology. I agree with Courtney in that when students are comfortable with technology it can help them display their knowledge.
I have always been a fan of using smartboards and incorporating technology in the classroom. Flipping the classroom is an excellent to further this use of technology. The students of today are used to a world that is focused and constantly using hand held devices. Reversing the classroom and giving students the ability to interact during a lesson on a tablet or ipad will force them to become more engaged in any lesson. As a teacher I think it would be useful in order to monitor students in their participation and understanding. This sounds a lot easier then taking anecdotal notes.
I too am fortunate to have a SmartBoard in my classroom. The students love to interact with vocabulary review games...Just about anything on that SmartBoard gets their attention. As a teacher it is also interesting to step back into the room and watch the varied behavior toward the subject and inter-personally.I am sure if I did it on a daily basis I could learn a lot from this perspective. Nancy M
I feel that "Flipping the classroom" would be extremly beneficial to the students in a class. The article brings up many great points about how majority of the time when a teacher is teaching his/her students their back is towards theme, which most of the time leads to students acting out. I feel that incorporating this great new technology we have today within the classroom with help the students to better focus on their lessons and work. The use of technology for teachers is great because their backs will no longer be facing there students and also it allows the teacher to see who really is paying attention and understanding what is going one.
I think this is a good idea. Initally, too, the students would love this approach. It's a great way to get the entire class, teacher included, involved in the lesson. I would definately use this method if the training and programs were there. However, I feel it would take a lot of time and be a bit difficult to implement, especially with those students who do not know how to use such technology.
Erin C
I agree with Dena, this will allow teachers to monitor student progress and attention through their participation and observation.
Erin C.
I agree with the approach of “flipping” the classroom. Teachers need to learn and expand their technology skills in order to maintain student’s interest in the lessons. When a teacher doesn’t give his/her full attention towards the class or his/her back is turned to the class that is when the students will lose focus and act out. I-Pads will allow the teachers to move more freely around the students and also hold the students attention during the lessons. Most students are familiar with this type of technology at home because they have laptops, computers, I-pads and iphones that they use daily therefore, intergrading this technology into the classroom will be most helpful!
-Nicole S.
Throughout student teaching I got to experience using a SmartBoard in the middle school and then when I went to the high school I had to use the whiteboard. This was a tough adjustment because I was used to moving around and now I had to have my back toward the class more often than I would have liked. I agree with Elaine, with the statement that students today are constantly using hand held devices. I recently went to a calculator workshop where students log in on their devices and the teacher can see what each student is doing on their calculator. This might be tough to get used to, but I believe it prevents students from falling behind in class. Therefore, I believe “flipping” the classroom will be very beneficial.
Laura K
Flipping the classroom or integrating technology is for me the rigth way to engage this generation of students. The present generation is more exposed to a visual electronic image that they can manupilate with their finger. Teaching with no technology can become an uninteresting class. I agree with K. Lapelosa about it taking a lot of time to train teachers to utilize this method, including myself, but I think that for the benefit of the students that training is worth it and necessary. G. Vazquez
Ken is absolutely right. The new direction technology has taken these last several years is a great step in aiding teachers to “flip” the classroom back into an interactive environment between themselves and their students. This is immensely beneficial for the students, as Courtney T. said above, the students really do respond more to the content when their in familiar and comfortable technological settings. I think as time progresses this choice to upgrade or not, will simply become irrelevant. The fact is, the classroom used to be governed by the technology of the teachers. As modern technology becomes more and more accessible to the public, the classroom is now governed by the technology of its students and their environment. In an effort to maintain our relevance and efficiency in this setting, as teachers we must adopt the most effective tool for communication, which at this junction seems to be handheld devices.
Amir A.
I agree with Courtney when she says the students tend to respond better when using the technology as it is something they are already used to/enjoy using. This has been used in classrooms I have been in as a sort of reward. Children love working towards something that they enjoy, therefore using this piece of technology during a lesson can only further engage the students. This is where our classrooms are heading and it would be in the best intentions for classroom teachers to learn this technology because this is what this generation of kids know best.
Nicole D.
Patti I agree!
It is true! We really do need that face to face interaction with our students. We're coming to a point were students take classes online and do not even meet their teachers face to face. The students in today's generation are growing up in a world full of technology and that is all that they know. I think that having the technology in the classroom is appropriate, useful, and entertaining. There are countless electronical items that are used in today's classroom and its seems that there is just going to be more technology used in the classroom, but when is enough enough? Next thing you know we'll have robots teaching the class! (Which I am sure are in the works if not already out there)
-Michelle S.
Clare,
I totally agree with you in being more student centered, hopefully it will not be too long before we may be able to implement I-Pads in the classroom
Some schools are starting to use them, so I hope it will be soon too Jenny.
There is so much technology out there that if we do not keep up to date on the latest tools, our students are going to be the ones who will be teaching us!
The classroom is the perfect place to teach, inform and instruct!
Patti Gribbon
I agree with what Nicole said. I work in a similar setting where students work for different technology devices as a type of reward. From an educational perspective, devices like ipads and iphones have helped motivate my students to learn information in a fun and alternative way. Students are more likely to enjoy doing math on an interactive ipad app rather than the traditional paper and pencil method of work. I think technology advances so fast that we are only at the beginning of truly understanding how it can impact education in the classroom. -Anthony D
It think it is a great idea to "flip the classroom." Schools should always be evloving with technology and considering students use handheld devices every day we should definitely try to incorporate these in the classroom. It would allow teachers to move around more, and gain an understanding of how many students really understand the lesson. Student would become more engaged in the lesson and motivated to learn. Everyone would benefit from this advancement.
I think the article poses a great idea. I feel it should be the goal of every teacher to get 100% of their students involved in every lesson. By using technology at each student's desk, not only are the students actively involved in the lesson, but it can also lead to more efficient group work and differentiation.
I love the idea of each student in a classroom having an iPad or tablet. I believe students would be more motivated to learn and more students would be engaged in lessons. “Flipping the classroom” would be beneficial for all students, especially students in special education. I still write on a chalkboard in my school. However, I try to limit time spent at the chalkboard and increase time where kids are working with manipulatives and hands-on-activities. I have one computer in my classroom, but it is enough to see how much students are motivated to learn when they’re on the computer. Having an iPad or tablet would not only make learning more fun, interesting, and hands on, but it would also teach students responsibilities. They would have to be careful and take care of their personal computers. I think it is a smart idea to give every student an iPad however; it is not very realistic for many schools. Perhaps big computer companies will catch on to the benefits and donate tablets and iPads to schools in need.
I feel that the concept of "flipping" a classroom is a great idea and that it will truly begin to actively incorporate all students into a lesson. Similar to Tara B, I am fortunate enough to have a SmartBoard in my classroom and a set of 20 iPads at my disposal whenever I choose. Although I use my SmartBoard throughout the day, primarily for the students to get up out of their seats and use the tools that it provides, I definitely plan on implementing the use of the iPads more often. Even though I believe students are more involved and interested through the use of the SmartBoard technology, I feel that this idea of "flipping" the classroom through the use of hand-held technology will really encourage students to become more engaged in each lesson. I think this approach benefits all types of learners, by allowing them to listen, visualize, and actively participate in what they are learning.
Leanne K.
I think "flipping" the classroom in an intersting idea. It can be beneficial because students will actively participate in their educational experience. However, it can also pose negative outcomes where students may use those devices for other means. I think there should be a happy medium where the smart board, manipulatives, and hand-held devices are all utilized. Therefore, students will be learning with the use of a plethora of resources instead of just an ipad, or smartboard.
Khem Ramjeawan
I agree that the idea of flipping the classroom is extremely pertinent in the classroom today. As a nation, we keep updating our technology but, we are not fixing the problem. We continue to make advancements but, they are always down the same path. I constantly use my interactive whiteboard but, feel that not all students are engaged. When my students are able to use the Ipads as a group they are able to interact individually and contently. With the number of advancements in technology arising more rapidly, I hope all classrooms are able to flip!
Theresa F
Flipping the classroom sounds great. Teachers today definitely have an advantage of being able to engage all students 100 % of the time because of the amazing technology we have today. It is important that we become familiar with the latest technology out there. I find it sad that students under the age of 10 know more about computers, ipods, games and electronics, than I do. I agree with Courtney T. Students will respond better because they will be using technology, which is something they are used to using on a daily basis. As teachers we have to try everything we can to get students engaged and wanting to learn more. Leslie P
I believe there are both pros and cons to adding handheld devices to the classroom.
Using tablets in the classroom would definitely get more students involved in the lessons. If you look around, it is not only are the students that are addicted to touch screen mobile devices, but most adults as well. I agree with K. Lapelosa, because many teachers would have to be trained to properly integrate this technology in the classroom.
The abitlity to access the web and thousands of unique apps from a mobile device is something relatively new, and is changing the world as we know it. I think more research should be done before we revolutionize the classroom. Integrating tablets into the classroom could also affect how students socialize and communicate. You can already look around and see how socializing has changed since the addition of the smart phone. A tablet would have to be used as only a tool for education, not a device that teachers depended on to drive the lessons each day.
Nick Musto
Personally, I find it interesting how many educators feel that a white board is considered somewhat "modern". I agree that it is a bit more engaging then a standard blackboard, but when you really think about it there is no difference between the two.
I do agree with the notion of "flipping" the classroom. Technology today is constantly changing just as quickly as students learning styles and abilities. A personal tablet, along with the standard teaching methods would provide a wide enough spectrum for learning that would cover students of all needs. Khem brings up a good point when she says that there should be a "medium" between all forms of learning techniques. You obviously want to incorporate as much good technology into the room as possible, but at the same time you do not want to "replace" the teacher with technology.
I agree with Jenna L. Handheld devices would be great to help students learn at their own pace and give teachers more mobility. I also think teachers can also give students more help with areas they are struggling with. However, it is going to be difficult to get funding for handheld devices. Especially since many schools just got smart boards. I was reading an article the other day about a cool thing this teacher did with his presentation. You should check it out. I believe that flipping a classroom works wonders. Every student can learn at their own pace and the teacher can give students real reinforcement. The only thing that is going to be difficult is getting the money for hand held devices like Ipads. I was reading an article the other day on Huffington Post that made me think about different ways to use technology. What this teacher does is pretty awesome. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/trick-teacher
The big issue with having individual iPads and tablets is that they are costly. During a time when the economy is struggling, school districts are looking for ways to save money, not spend more. By having such tablets available for students, however, they can help students be more organized. If they lose notes or are absent from school, they can have them E-Mailed. Even though money is an issue today, school districts need to find ways to incorporate this type of technology in the classroom.
I find this idea to possibly have great potential in the classroom environment. The idea of “flipping” the classroom places the learning in the students’ hand, agreeing with Kham R. it causes the students to “actively participate in their educational experience.” Times are changing and technology is growing more and more to being part of not just every day life but every part of our day. Starting at younger ages children are using technology on the daily basis, as well with great skill. Children today have a great ability when it comes to understand technology. The idea of “flipping” a classroom can also be beneficial to different types of learners. As there are with many things, flipping a classroom can have its pros and cons. This does give into the constant use of technology and lessoning of personal communication is a few aspects but over all I think it can have some great potential.
Alexandra M
Vanessa I agree with you that using such technology will make students become more responsible. If students do not take care of the equipment, they will not have access to it. One must be careful though that they do not get stolen. Since money is an issue, think of how much money schools will save with less paper, pens, pencils, calculators being distributed. That can be another factor in making such technology more affordable.
I agree with Vanessa's assessment of using the iPad in each classroom in each school that it may not be a practical idea at this time. Not only would the students have to be very careful using them, they would not be able to take them home to do their homework for obvious reasons. Nick also makes a good point by saying that if students rely on electronic devices so much they may not get the opportunity to develop their social skills. Using the iPads in the classroom is a great supplemental device. It should be part of many other ways of teaching a lesson.
I think that "flipping" the classroom is exactly the direction that schools need to be headed in right now. This idea of giving all the students hands-on devices will keep them all actively engaged in the lesson and it also allows for some teacher creativity in planning. LB
The ideas presented in “Reverse the Presentation” are pivotal when trying to capture students’ attention. As a teacher, you may plan a wonderful lesson that is interactive and it seems as if it will capture all of your student’s attention. However, the instructional component of the lesson usually incorporates either the chalkboard, white board or even a smart board where your back is ultimately turned towards your students, which creates a divide in the educational process. The ideas presented about flipping the classroom will allow students to feel like an active participant in the learning process, thus drawing them into active learning, listening, and information processing.
Through the use of tools like iPads students can not only complete the same interactive lesson but do so at their own speeds so no one feels pressured to keep up with the class or bored because they are head of the learning curve. By flipping the classroom teachers are able to better engage students and even allow knowledge to be shared via student to student but student to teachers as well.
The traditional methods of teaching may have been revolutionary when they were developed, however, with today’s technological advances today’s students are more accustomed to learning methods aided by technology. We as educators need to meet our students more than half way if we want to fully connect with them and educate them more efficiently.
Lesley A. Rhoden
Yes, I agree with the author that the Smartboards are a glorified overhead projector. It takes alot of time to sit and create an engaging lesson. It would be great if three or more students could access the board at once. I try to find ways to access the students without having one student at a time answer the question on the Smartboard.
I think if the hand held devices had certain parameters set that they could be very good in the classroom. Let's face it, we have all been kids in the classroom and not everyone does what is expected. The teacher still needs to keep the students engaged and on task. Karen Palmer
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