I think the flipped classroom is a really cool idea and gets away from the traditional approaches of learning that sometimes become boring to students. However, for those students who aren't as good at working at home for school, the flipped classroom approach definitely won't work as good for them. In simple explanation, the flipped classroom idea is when students watch a video watch short simple videos on the lecture prior to class so that during class time the teacher can expand on the information, answer questions, etc. Like I mentioned, it requires at home effort on the students part so that's a necessity for it to work out. For students who get bored/distracted easily during "boring" lectures, the flipped classroom is a great approach.
I think the digital divide is a huge issue. The digital divide is caused by differences in wealth between families and schools. I think in schools where most kids are privileged enough to have technology and a small amount are not, the digital divide becomes a distraction and a problem. If a student doesn't have a computer at home and has to go to a public library and use one, they're already putting in more work and are more inconvenienced than those kids who don't have to leave home. As a teacher, I would send home a sheet with each student at the beginning of the year to see what technology they have access to and assess the situation from there. I would also try to make sure technology that is provided by the school can be present in my classroom so if kids don't have those devices at home they can get used to them at school.
I loved the powerpoint assignments. The first was very easy and the second caused me a bit more trouble. However, like most of the assignments, it's cool bringing projects to life and seeing how I really could use them in the future. I didn't know how to make an interactive powerpoint but with a little help from the internet I figured things out.
Check out my comments on Gabi & Karla's blogs and view my assignment below! XO
I think you did a great job of pointing out the pros and cons of a flipped classroom, and I completely agree! You provided a great analysis of how the digital divide affects students, and I think you provided great ways to address the issues in the classroom. I really liked your PowerPoint too! :)
ReplyDelete