Tips for Integrating Technology into the Flipped Classroom

 

The "flipped classroom" is an approach where direct instruction is limited or happens outside of the classroom, and in-class students engage in hands-on problem-solving activities. From inception of the flipped classroom approach, technology, especially videos have played a key role in deploying the teaching format (Hwang et al, 2015). Educators would avoid direct instruction time in the classroom by recording and posting videos to replace. However, with the availability of educational technology having expanded greatly in the last 10 years, can we use technology to move beyond the direct instruction video as the at home component of the flipped classroom?

Tech tools can be deployed to make the outside of class material considerably more engaging:

-          Readings and videos can be integrated within a collaborative platform where students can annotate, comment, question and discuss the content. For example Video Ant or Perusall

-          Students can make use of simulations or modelling software

-          Information can be presented through interactive media content such as content created through H5P  (New York University, n.d.)

If instructors do choose to integrate videos as their direct instruction content, there are several easy-to-use tools they can employ to create more dynamic and engaging content:

-          Using tablet or drawing software which allows the screen capture of a live whiteboard as they show progress and problem-solving techniques in a live manner

-          Using a higher quality smartphone to record video

-          Using screen casting tools to record slide decks and other engaging media (Edutopia, 2014)

Employing a flipped approach creates great opportunities for in class activities. With some creative thinking, educators can also enhance their out of class activities with little effort.

References

Edutopia (2014) The Flipped Class: Which Tech Tools Are Right For You?  From https://www.edutopia.org/video/flipped-class-which-tech-tools-are-right-you 

H5P. (2022). From https://h5p.org/

Hwang, G.-J., Lai, C.-L., & Wang, S.-Y. (2015). Seamless flipped learning: A mobile technology-enhanced flipped classroom with effective learning strategies. Journal of Computers in Education, 2(4), 449–473. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-015-0043-0

New York University. (n.d.). Integrating Media and Technology with Flipped Model Pedagogy. From http://www.nyu.edu/content/nyu/en/faculty/teaching-and-learning-resources/strategies-for-teaching-with-tech/flipped-classes/integrating-media-and-technology-with-flipped-model-pedagogy

Perusall. (n.d.). From https://www.perusall.com

VideoAnt. (2022). From https://ant.umn.edu/