Flipping your Classroom 101

A trend that has been buzzing around classrooms is called "flipping." Being apart of MSED 678Z this fall I was able to connect with peers all across the United States to discuss and showcase what we are doing or know about "flipping" our classrooms. For those of you that don't know, "flipping" your classroom is where a teacher uses technology to allow him or her to be in multiple places teaching at the same time. Students take control of the lesson by being in charge of the technology and responsible for completing the tasks that are assigned. Think of it as cloning! If you're an educator reading this you are probably thinking that sounds great! It is great, as long as you don't try to bite off more than you can chew the first few times you try.

I learned a lot from my peers. I learned that using Apple products like iPads or Macs you can use Keynote to voice record and show your desktop so students can follow along. I also learned how to use Quicktime in new ways. Screencastify was a huge hit with a lot of my classmates. Students and teachers use this to record themselves teaching or recording their desktop to show students how to complete problems, read a story, or complete another activity. The best part you can download Screencastify for free. It's a Google Chrome extension. *They do have a paid version but you can use the FREE monthly version it just limits the amount you can do. It resets each month.

Personally, I like Tes Teach. It has an easy platform for users to quickly navigate. I like the tool bar located on the right hand side of the screen that allows you to quickly and easily look for and add materials. Students are able to use it without help which is a huge plus for those K-2 teachers! I've included a link to one of my lessons for you to view to get an idea on how you could use this in your classroom.

Why "flip" your classroom? Why not? If you can be teaching guided reading to a group of kids, while teaching a phonics lesson to a group of students who are using a lesson you've prerecorded on a video, why would you not do that? Yes, it takes a bit of planning and preparation but once you start it gets easier. You will feel satisfied that you are reaching more kids and your kids will be happy because they are engaged and learning. Give it try. What do you have to lose?