Activity 10: The Flipped Classroom Approach

The Flipped Classroom Approach is turning around the dynamics of teaching and learning. Where teaching takes place via recorded lectures, on videos, watched by students at home, and learning happens within the classroom, as students enquire about what they have viewed.

This increases students critical thinking and problem solving skills as they communicate and collaborate with each other. It then makes each student responsible for his or her own learning. This means that the teacher will then have to effectively and efficiently plan activities and appropriate feedback discussions in class.

As a result, students should master content. However this does not ensure that learning will take place, due to the fact that some students may never even bother to view the videos before class, and therefore come to class expecting the teacher to tell them everything. Thus, they will not be constructing their own knowledge, and would defeat the purpose of reverse instruction.

Overall, educators need to know their purpose for using this modality in order to plan for its successful implementation. Since, not all learning styles will be automatically catered for.

Flipped Classroom Approach is another pedagogical change from the traditional way of teaching.

I would though use this approach in my class to maximize learning and minimize delivery of content within each session. 

Activity 9: Cellphones in the classroom

Cellphones are another technological device that can be used as a learning tool in classrooms.

In Antigua and Barbuda are students allowed to use cellphones in schools?

It is against regulations for students to use cellphones in schools, however there are a few teachers who allow the use of cellphones in their class only, once the students are engaged in learning.

How are cellphones used in classes:
1. For the calculator
2. Planning project activities
3. Research using the internet
4. Operating certain apps that are already downloaded for the different subject areas
5. Texting messages to group members for in class collaborative exercises

How should cellphones not be used in classes:
1. For sexting
2. To bully or harass anyone
3. To cheat on a test
4. For outside communication with others while in class during a lesson
5. For any illegal activity

How can the class be managed when using cellphones:
1. Students take responsibility for their own learning at all times
2. Communicating and collaborating appropriately with group members only when instructed to
3. Have all phones on silent and out of sight when not in use
4. Avoid sharing personal information with strangers
5. Ensure security procedures are in place and safe apps are installed on the cellphone before use

Overall cellphones are another way of having students 'BYOD' Bring your own device. It also, empowers students to be responsible for their own learning. Finally, they are another way in which teachers need to ensure that they cater for all learners in this 21st century.

Activity 8: Managing online communication and collaboration

To guide our discussions and thoughts on e-safety, or the use of social networks in the learning environment, were the following questions:

 

1. What should be included in a school e-safety policy?

 

What I found, for this first question, the aspect of the acceptable use of ICT by all parties involved was a major part that should be included in the policy.

 

2. What the most effective classroom procedure will be to ensure e-safety?

 

To actually ensure safety within the classroom, there were so many this that could be considered, however what really hit home was safety against cyber-bullying.

 

3. Which are the 5 most important considerations for a teacher requiring students to use social networks in the learning environment?

In my opinion they are:

Planning - The planning of activities – Student engagement: careful planning needs to be practiced to ensure that students are actively engaged in meaningful learning activities while networking, and using social media every day in their lessons

Environment - Build a relationship of trust – Learning environment: once students understand what is expected of them and they take ownership for their own learning, the environment will be one were communication and collaboration flows easily, and social media can be used anytime and anywhere. Include the use of e-safety practices.

Content - The development of ‘new literacies’: ICT literacy, media literacy, information literacy, etc.; to use research skills for information for different subject areas. What will students learn?

Ethics - Community building: Global Networking – Students are able to create and share appropriate information with others across the globe . As they respect each other.

Organization - Learning organization – Interactivity: students organize themselves in study groups and use social media appropriately to communicate and collaborate