Moving Mindsets

One thing I have been interested in for a long time, is using our new found technology to try a flipped classroom.  In this module it talked a lot about problems with homework and giving zeros.  I saw several interesting videos talking about how schools aren't willing to change even though the learners that move through them have changed.

A flipped classroom may have a positive effect on the problems with homework and giving zeros, as well as supply the much needed change for 21st century thinkers and learners.  How will a flipped classroom help out with our schools homework and zero problems?  Well, if the homework all has to be done in class under my supervision, the students will most likely turn in all of their work.  It would be equivalent to turning in tests.  I have never had a student receive a zero on a test due to the fact that it was never turned in.  That just leaves the issue with homework.  Homework will be less strenuous and time consuming because the students will just be watching or reading about my mini-lessons for no more than fifteen minutes a night.

Finally, my students may be invigorated by the use of technology.  My students were called "digital natives" by Marc Prensky which to me means they are more comfortable and motivated to do their work using technology.  They will probably be more engaged and driven to do the work.

I am not only willing to try this in my classroom, but I am excited to see the effects that it will have on my students and the culture of my classroom.  I have seen the positive effects technology has had on different learners.  My own children are two very different learners.  My son is intrinsically motivated to use flashcards and do worksheets.  He is the "studious" one.  My daughter is equally as smart as my son but needs "fun and creativity" to motivate her to work hard at learning those redundant academic standards.  The family iPad has made this educational battle with her far less painful and has prevented her from falling behind.  I hope to have the opportunity to give the flipped classroom a shot in the near future and report back on it success.

Starting a New Class

I have just recently started an online course called "Introduction to Blended and Online Teaching."  I have been asked to reflect on my recent posts and responses in our class's discussions.  Part of the first module is to self-assess my contributions to these online conversations using a rubric that has been provided.  I found that I mostly fall in the "evolving" or "effective" categories.

I find myself to be effective in my examination and analysis of relevant course concepts.  I am familiar with technology and the terminology that goes along with it.  Providing personal experience and examples is also something I am comfortable with.  I have been serving on two technology committees, one of which was designated to help write an innovative planning grant to implement 1:1 at my school.  My husband is also familiar with blended learning because he was fortunate enough to spend two years in a 1:1 setting using iPads. Our daily conversations about his instruction and planning have exposed me to things in the educational realm of technology that I might not otherwise have been confronted with at this point. I feel that I have been immersed in technology as of late, and have a lot to say and share.

Lastly, I usually feel strongly about my ability to collaborate with peers, but I find myself a little timid among my newly found online community.  I'm not sure I ask open-ended questions in my responses or comments, but I am effectively able to expand on the topic at hand.  So far the course has been great, and I am looking forward to the future modules.

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