What Everybody Should Know About the Flipped Classroom

What is the Flipped Classroom anyway?

Flip Learning leverages new technology and ways to consume information to invert, or flip, traditional learning environments. Lectures that were previously delivered in class are now sent home as videos for students to watch before coming to class.

Activities that were typically assigned as homework are now conducted in the classroom where teachers can spend time differentiating learning and facilitating collaborative project-based learning.

While the idea of flipping the classroom dates back to the early 1990s, the flipped classroom model continues to gain momentum in 2012.

As broadband infrastructure increases, consumption of and access to information shifts with the development of mobile devices, teachers continue to look for ways to personalize instruction and prepare students for college and career readiness.

Flipped Classroom 101 – Background

We found a great infographic on The Flipped Classroom from Knewton that provides some additional background information around the movement.

“The Flipped Classroom Infographic A new method of teaching is turning the traditional classroom on its head”

Created by Knewton and Column Five Media

Flipped Classroom Resources

The Flipped Class Blog - The blog of Jonathan Bergmann, who along with Aaron Sams pioneered the Flipped Class Model of Education.

The Flipped Class Network - A social network dedicated to educators interested in the flip.

Flipped Learning - What to see the Flipped Classroom in action? This site has 40 videos demonstrating the power of this new model. Oh, and by the way, they’ve provided a repository of primarily science videos to help you get started flipping your own classroom.

TED-Ed - From the folks that bring you the inspirational TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Talks comes TED-Ed. Great educators’ lectures are paired with talented animators to create a “curiosity-igniting video” that can be shared with your students at home. The full site is scheduled to launch in early April 2012, but you can get a sneak peek on the TED-Ed You Tube channel.

Khan Academy - With over 3,000 videos covering a wide variety of topics, Khan Academy is a great tool for teachers looking to flip their teaching. The recent developments around Khan’s practice exercises and real-time data reports make it increasingly easy for teachers to manage student learning both in and out of the classroom.

Will you Flip Your Classroom?

With the increased popularity of the flipped movement we’re curious to see how well it’s working out in your classroom. Does this model lend itself for teaching certain topics but not others? Is internet access still an issue for your students? Do you find that students come to class prepared to learn? Expert flippers, do you have any tips for our novices looking to try the flipped model?