Journal 3: Upside Down & Inside Out: Flip Your Classroom to Improve Student Learning

This article pertains to NETS-T 1: "Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity"

Fulton, K. (2012). Upside Down and Inside Out: Flip Your Classroom to Improve Student Learning. Learning and leading with technology, 39(8), 12-14. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Upside_Down_and_Inside_Out.aspx

Photo Credit: anime.desktopnexus.com

Summary:  In the article, "Upside Down and Inside Out: Flip Your Classroom to Improve Student Learning," author Kathleen Fulton discusses a new "fad" in education called 'the flipped classroom'. According to the article, the idea to transition from the traditional classroom to new digitally instructional design was pioneered by teachers in the science field Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams at Woodland Park High School (CO).  The "flipped" part of the flipped classroom is essentially structured so that students watch or listen to lessons at home and do their "homework" in class."  Now the flipped classroom has a conference, several websites, and a Professional Learning Network of more than 3,000 teachers.  The article primarily discusses this new instructional design through the story of the most "enthusiatic advocates"--- the math teachers at Minnesosta's Byron High School (BHS). In the article it states that students who are currently or will partake in this new concept in education are extremely connected to technology as part of the curriculum, whether it be through Ipads, laptops, and smartphones.  The Calculus teacher at BHS, Troy Faulkner, utilizes his class time by going over important problems from the previous night's video lesson on the electronic white board, gives his students time to work on them, and then holds a class discussion.  Faulkner will move from student to student, "watching, listening, noting students who need help," when he breaks them off to work on their own, or in groups.  This allows students to work at their own pace and 'in their own style'.  Daily spot quizzes (completed with clickers), are given in order for teachers and students to get immediate results.  The feedback allows for group discussion and peer instruction on the problems which teachers (and colleagues) can use to revise their lesson plans/curriculum in a timely fashion. Personally, I believe that this educational innovation is moving in same direction that the school systems are heading toward in the future.  Due to the realities we face in education today like budget cuts and a rapidly growing digital age, I believe that the traditional classroom will slowly become obsolete and a 'flipped classroom' or homeschooling will take its place.  Some other transformations may also include the role of the teacher---transformation from sage on the stage to guide on the side as well as a shift in the classroom from competitiveness to cooperation, which can be observed by the students helping, teaching, and motivating their peers.  The collaborative environment is extremely emphasized in the 'flipped classroom'.
Q1: How will teachers of a 'flipped classroom' keep their students focused, motivated, and on task since this educational model requires a great deal of student independence/proactiveness and at home learning?
A1: In the article it states, "BHS educators are the first to admit that one size does not fit all, with the flipped teaching or any instructional approach" however, I believe that there are ways to increase a student's motivation and ability to stay on task.  One example would be the use of daily spot quizzes that can be given in order for students to complete their homework and assignments in preparation for the assessment.  Another component that I believe would encourage students to keep up with their school work is the emphasis on a collaborative environment (in the flipped classroom).  A collaborative environment calls for peer discussions and peer instruction.  I think that when students are given the opportunity to work with and help teach their peers, the intimidation and fear that may arise from the students' interaction with the sage on the stage in now replaced by collaboration with their peers who are in the same boat.  Peer motivation is an effective way to motivate students to do well.Q2: Do you believe that the emphasis of technology in classroom will negatively or positively affect our society?
    

A2: I have always thought that the rapid growth of technology on our society isn't always for the better.  Today, children grow up with a video game controller, iPod, iPad, etc. glued to their hand.  They don't pass time exploring and playing (physical exercise) in their neighborhoods after school or socializing with their peers (face to face) as much as earlier generations. Some believe that this has contributed to the instant gratification mentality of today's youth as well as their inability to reason.  However, while this may be true in certain aspects, I also believe that innovations like the iPad can contribute significantly to intellectual growth.   Technological devices are full of moving pictures, sound, animation, 3-D images---they are much more dynamic than what student’s learned from in the past, like a sketch of the universe done by Copernicus in a book . Now we have the ability to see places we’ve never been to before (via the Internet) or have access to infinite amounts of resources, tools, and applications (through various types of media/technology) that add greatly to our library of knowledge. Technological devices are full of moving pictures, sound, animation, 3-D images---they are much more dynamic than what student’s learned from in the past, i.e. a 2D sketch of the universe done by Copernicus in a book . Now we have the ability to see places we’ve never been to before (via the Internet) or have access to infinite amounts of resources, tools, and applications (through various types of media/technology) that add greatly to our library of knowledge.

Journal 1: 100 Things that Make Me :)

1. a baby's laugh
2. dancing
3. watching a child figure something out for the first time
4. catching up with friends from the past
5. old photo albums
6. Seinfeld
7. hearing a song on the radio that lifts your spirits, right at the moment you needed it the most
8. Coachella
9. the beach
10. my dog Oreo
11. hiking
12. writing
13. my family
14. my friends
15. coffee
16. ocean beach
17. mission beach
18. thinking about how great my college years truly were
19. Italy
20. traveling
21. reading
22. driving
23. good movies, esp. ones that make you think differently about life
24. shopping, esp. finding good deals on high end/quality stuff!
25. nailing an interview
26. getting complimented/praised at work
27. doing well in school
28. getting into CSUSM's multi-subject teaching credential program
29. taking pictures
30. Instagram
31. facebook
32. Youtube playlists
33. seeing Slo Mo randomly in Mission Beach
34. getting in a cab in Pacific Beach and realizing it's the Disco Cab
35. Fashion
36. Alone time
37. my iPhone
38. anything Apple related actually
39. hearing my parents tell stories about how they first met/what life was like before I was born
40. my parent's laugh
41. motivational quotes
42. learning something new
43. surprising those who think they have me "figured out"
44. figuring something out for myself, that I didn't initially think that I could
45. friendly people
46. an unexpected "hello" or a "smile" from a stranger
47. making new friends
48. receiving a written letter/card in the mail
49. sending a written letter/card in the mail
50. people with a sense of humor
51. being independent
52. receiving flowers
53. hearing "i love you" from someone special
54. making someone laugh
55. Orbit Cinnamint gum
56. big bags/purses
57. picnics
58. helping out a friend, family member, or random/stranger
59. being prepared
60. road trips
61. ice cream
62. taking my dog to the park and watching her socialize the other dogs
63. working hard
64. and having money
65. warm sheets/clothes/blankets/socks fresh out of the dryer
66. using the internet to explore things that weren't accessible to us before
67. DVR
68. my bed
69. 4th of July fireworks
70. moments when you realize that, "everything happens for a reason"
71. knowing that I have a supportive (family and friend) base
72. having a purpose
73. being a positive influence on children
74. teaching a new concept to someone
75. and realizing that they "got it"
76. laughing so hard your stomach hurts
77. reminiscing about high school
78. laughing with old friends over embarrassing moments that are funny now, but were horrifying then
79. good night's rest
80. napping
81. not letting anything or anyone stop me from what I set out to achieve
82. looking nice, dressing appropriately, and making a statement just by what I am wearing---it's one of my favorite forms of self expression
83. receiving a compliment
84. giving a compliment
85. cheese & wheat thins snack combo.
86. abbreviating wds.
87. eating out (bc I don't do it very often)
88. texting
89. witty bantar
90. "ah ha!" moments
91. reading my horoscope on a day when it is SPOT ON
92. jewelry
93. talking to my grandma on the phone
94. telling a joke and getting the punch line right...on the first try
95. watching sporting events
96. TMZ
97. having the day off on a rainy day
98. being out in the sun
99. sushi
100. starting CSUSM's teaching credential program this fall---moving one step closer toward what i've always wanted to do...teach

Journal 6: 10 Reasons to Get Rid of Homework (NETS-T 2 & 5)

Spencer, J. (2011, 08 19). Education rethink: Ten reasons to get rid of homework (and five alternatives). Retrieved from http://www.educationrethink.com/2011/09/ten-reasons-to-get-rid-of-homework-and.html


In the article, "Ten Reasons to Get Rid of Homework (and Five Alternatives)" the author John T. Spencer discusses the need for more active and outdoor learning and less indoor text-book directed study. He is an advocate for letting children go home after school and explore, learn, and navigate their own lessons within the confines of their neighborhood borders. Spencer believes that children should learn through their experiences involving essentially all of the senses. Specifically, the senses touch and feel. Instead, the authors advocates for his readers to, "emphasize the idea that learning can and will happen naturally at home or elsewhere in a child's world."  I happen to agree with the author here. I know that some of the most meaningful experiences and greatest learning occurred when I was left to discover it on my own. It was when I went exploring in Florence, Italy when I was studying abroad. It was when I went to a museum in Balboa Park just to look around, for my own intrinsic happiness. It was when I taught myself to use Prezi on my front porch, watching Youtube tutorials and accepting that the process would be one of "trial and error". Some of the greatest learning achieved can be done simply by walking outdoors and letting your senses do the observing. We acknowledge what we are seeing, reflect, and try to make sense of it in our own way. Essentially, the author states that if we our left to our own devices, without a book to our head and a pencil to our hand, we will learn (informally) by paying attention to things that interest us, that grab our attention.

5 Alternatives to Homework

1. Have students go outside and explore.  Have students write down what they see.  Don't give any instruction other than to journal what they observe.  

2. Encourage students to have a cultural experience i.e. help your family make an ethnic cuisine for dinner, watch a culturally diverse movie in a different language (subtitles okay), festivals, farmer's markets, etc.

3. Have students plant a garden (flowers or butterfly garden).  Observe. Analyze. Reflect.

4. Have students showcase what they learn by using digital media i.e. students can answer questions or show knowledge of subject matter by taking photographs or film, outside the home.

5. Encourage families to spend the weekend traveling.  Some of the best learning experiences and memories I have are from exploring the world.  Especially the world unfamiliar to me and my comfort zone.

Journal 8: Adaptive Technology

NETS IV

Communication

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication): AAC is a broad term for forms of communication that supplement or enhance speech. Examples include electronic devices, picture boards, and sign language. AAC may be aided augmentative and alternative communication or unaided augmentative and alternative communication. AAC can also be a permanent addition to a person's communication or a temporary aid.

No/Lo Tech

Switches

Switches are a common solution for users with mobility disabilities, such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cerbral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and head injuries, who need to use computers or other electronic devices, but have difficulty with the physical interface. To allow easy manipulation (even easier than a joy stick or other rolling device) a specially-designed switch may be composed of  one button, a few buttons, a sensory plate, or another of the whole host of adaptive switches available. It may also be touch-free (relying on motion sensors) or brain activation.  Switches can also be used as developmental aids, teaching children or adults how to interact with their external environment.

LITTLE Step-by-Step Choice with Levels Communicator

LITTLE Step-by-Step Choice with Levels functions by, allowing you to skip over a message without it playing in its entirety. By pressing the activation surface repeatedly, you can skip over multiple messages to get to your desired message. When you find the message you are looking for,  you can stop pressing the activation surface and the message will play in full. This is a great tool for answering multiple-choice questions, or communicating desires among a list of options.

For a classroom, if there were a student who was in a wheel chair and had to use a head switch, you could use this device as a toy to enhance comprehension and meaning.

BIG Step-by-Step Choice with Levels Communicator

BIG Step-by-Step Choice with Levels provides an option for easy-tech, quick-ready communication. It Allows you to skip over a message without it playing in full. By pressing the activation surface repeatedly, you can skip over multiple messages to get to your desired message. When you find the message you are looking for, stop pressing the activation surface and the message will play in its entirety. This is a great tool for answering multiple-choice questions, or communicating desires among a list of options.

1. Limited set of message choices (book pages)
2. During reading activity time
3. Switch access (head)
4. Mounting for the head switch
5. Activate a toy at specific times

High Tech Tool

Read&Write GOLD Designed to Improve Writing Skills & Reading Comprehension
Texthelp Software Also Helps Learning Disabled Students Improve Study SkillsThe application, developed by

Read&Write GOLD is designed to improve writing skills & reading comprehension. Texthelp Software also helps learning disabled students improve study skills. The application, combines text-to-speech, word prediction, and study skills features that make it easier for students to read, write, and organize thoughts and information in one place. Read&Write GOLD provides many functions to make it easier to put thoughts on paper and help ensure one's writing is free of spelling and grammatical errors.

Word Prediction:  Phonetic mapping is provided to help users find the right word.

Talking Dictionary: A 180,000-word dictionary that speaks both the word and the definition.

Read&Write GOLD reads text aloud and students can also listen to their own writing, which can make spotting mistakes easier.
 

Text-to-Speech

 
Read&Write GOLD reads text aloud to you from any document on your computer. I learned that the words are highlighted as they are spoken, which helps you to track where you are on the page and it is proven to raise comprehension levels by 20%

"With the use of a set of headphones, students can have books from the Academy's e-Library read aloud through Read&Write's text-to-speech functionality; plus items from the internet, worksheets and their own creative writing can be read back to them. Students can also make revision notes and have these read to them, or use the software to help learn poetry or lines for drama productions."

Marion Griffiths, Erasmus Darwin Academy

Accessibility

Screen magnifiers(SOFTWARE)

Screen magnification software is used by people with visual disabilities to access information on a computer screen. The software enlarges the information on the screen by "pre-determined incremental factor."  Most screen magnification software has the flexibility to magnify the full screen, parts of the screen or provide a magnifying glass view of the area around the cursor or pointer. These programs often allow for inverted colors, enhanced pointer viewing, and tracking options.

Voice recognition systems (HARDWARE)

Voice recognition allows a user to use his/her voice as an input device. Voice recognition may be used to dictate text into the computer or to give commands to the computer (such as opening application programs, pulling down menus, or saving work).

I commented on Jen's blog and Hawley's blog