Flipped Learning is essentially teaching in reverse. Teachers use technology to find or even create videos and such for the children to view outside of the classroom so that there is more time for student/teacher interaction. It also creates an opportunity for those who don't always make it to class or just simply can't stay caught up. This was just one of the points that school teachers Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams stated in their article. They also said that in some cases it led to great improvement on the knowledge of the subject matter within the students. I've also seen that teachers say that it reduces the stress on the students learning the lesson. It seems that there are many many good things to say about this particular type of learning. As with anything though, there are drawbacks. There are some students who are better at listening and learning from traditional teaching styles. Switching it around entirely could potentially hinder their work and even behavior. With that, there is also the possibility that the student may not have access to a computer or Internet of any kind within their homes.
In my own experiences, I've learned that not every technique is right for each child. Modifications and adaptations must be made to fit their needs. A flipped classroom does sound great, but I wonder just how useful it would be to used constantly. Perhaps, in my opinion, there could be a balance between using flipped learning and using other tradition learning styles. Being an Elementary school teacher (Someday), I wonder just how much it would beneficial to expose children to constant Internet usage. They need hands on interaction and sometimes you may need to reexplain and put it into simpler terms.
Down below is video of different people using the flipped learning method. I thought it would be nice to actually see this in action, and in certain respects, I can see where this would be beneficial.
In my Technology class, we were required to do a research project about how issues in the 21st century. In doing so, we were supposed to write a paper and use a different form of presentation other than powerpoint.This project should have been relatively easy. And it was, for the most part. I feel as though the other group members in my group did so much more than I did, and I really think they did. I didn't do nearly as much as I should have, and I sincerely regret that. I have now been on both sides of group work; the side where one person does everything and the side where others just do what they can to get by. I'm rather ashamed of myself for not putting as much effort into it as the other girls did. I could make excuses and rationalize it all day long, but at the end of the day, I still didn't do what was expected of me.
In general, the technology parts of the project were fine. They seemed relatively easy to use (I played around with it a bit here and there). As a whole, I think the group did well. Everyone (not really me) worked and worked together. It was well thought out and I couldn't have asked for better group members.
On my search for new blogs to read, I came across a few that I found very helpful and wonderfully done. It's an amazing thing to read about other people's experiences and their passions for the teaching profession.
The first blog I found worth mentioning was a blog called, Fairy Dust Teaching. The name of the blog itself was intriguing enough, but when I clicked on it, I loved what I saw. It has a ton of different pictures of worksheets and ideas. It has all kinds of themes as well. I really enjoy looking at all the ideas here and what the teacher does with the kids. One of them was reading about the different ways for children to learn about Real bears vs Fictional bears. It's a wonderful way to get ideas and share a few of your own!
Another adorable and great place for ideas was Teri's (her last name was not mentioned) A cupcake for the Teacher. What I love about this is looking at all the pictures of ideas and crafts. They're very creative and just as the blog above, it's a great place to get ideas from. Once again, what drew me to it, was the name, which is absolutely adorable. The best part, though is just looking at all the colorful creations that she uses in her classroom. She puts up some very helpful tips and great craft ideas. One of my favorite things she has are the paint cans decorated and used for things such candy, and similar items. It's definitely worth a look!
Technology is a huge part of everyone's life. It's used every day at home, work, and even school. People can use it for just about everything; communication, social networking, researching, and so on. On the subject of using technology in school, I think it's a pretty good idea. It's a great way for kids to learn. There are a ton of interactive online games. These things are capable of aiding a child's education and its important that they receive nothing but the best. In the same respect, I can see why some people don't like using technology in a school setting. While, if used correctly, it do wonders for the education, so kids abuse the privilege. It's a shame that this happens, but unfortunately too much of anything good can be potentially bad. This is why I think that if you're going to use technology in a classroom, or better yet if the kids do hands on activities using technology, put up so blocks and only allow the things you want them to do. This should hopefully cut down issues with abusing technology privileges.
As a college student and teacher in training, one issue that is very important to me is the inclusion of disabled children in mainstream classrooms. I can see both the pros and cons in this issue. It's wonderful for a child with a disability to feel like any other child but at the same time, if the child is difficult to handle, it can be a real time issue. It takes a lot of your time away from the children as well as any effort towards education. I suppose that some children could be mainstreamed with no problem, and I support that 100% but if the child is unable to participate or at least be in class without causing disruptions, perhaps inclusion isn't the right way to go for those children. While I understand how this may seem unfair to those children who cannot be mainstreamed but think about the children who are in that classroom. They need time with a teacher as well and if the teacher's time is taken by those who need more help, where does that leave the others? So, I honestly believe that there should be an evaluation for those who wish to be mainstreamed. It could possibly put an end to all the controversy and maybe make things easier for everyone overall.
I've been asked this question since I first decided to pursue a career in teaching. The most obvious part of the answer is that I absolutely love children. Being the first born, I was always taking care of my younger sibling and family members. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to. I loved getting to play with them, take care of them, and teaching them things. The first time I ever said I wanted to teach, I was in fifth grade. We had Kindergarten buddies. Each of us were assigned one or two Kindergarteners to help with whatever they needed. I was assigned two because there were many more younger kids than there were older ones. Well, I was showing them how to do a craft and then watched them as they did it. I believe it was that moment, that I knew what I wanted to be. Right now, you're thinking, "You still haven't answered the question." Well, the answer is simple. Teaching is my passion. Knowing that in some way, I've influenced a child's life in a positive way, that's the best feeling in the world. Nothing is more rewarding than knowing you have helped a child prepare for the future. Though I am not a teacher, career wise, yet, I have taught children something before. I've worked in a daycare and at summer camp, as well as babysitting jobs. For me, it was more than just babysitting. The same way I've taught them, they've taught me. The children have taught me about so much, including myself. It's a beautiful reward and I hope to do so for many more years to come.
