Technology Project
Watch my Algodoo Presentation Here
What is a flipped classroom?
There is a lot of debate about what works best for student learning. Teachers have tried many strategies such as online learning, teaching with technology, learning through motion, differentiated instruction and several other things. Something new and thought provoking is now sweeping through our educational systems and that is the idea of a flipped classroom. A flipped classroom is the exact opposite of traditional learning. In a more traditional setting, teachers lecture and students take notes or participate in learning after the teacher finishes his or her delivery. This sis known as the Banking Model Theory of education. It’s where the teachers have all of the knowledge and they deposit that knowledge into the brains of the child. The student then goes home and does homework or some type of extended learning on their own. In the flipped classroom, the students receive their instruction at home via videos or audio files then return to school to complete their ‘homework’. I think that the flipped classroom has a lot of potential if it is done correctly. There are many advantages of allowing your students to get the meat of the instruction at home. When they return to class there will be more opportunities for individualized instruction, one on one time, as well as clarification over the material they did not understand. The downfall would be instructors that have mundane delivery methods. Students are not going to go home and watch a PowerPoint or a boring lecture. They will not find any motivation to do such a thing. Educators will have to be creative with their delivery techniques and be careful not to become complacent with the at home instruction. Another challenge may be the student’s access to online delivery methods. Not all students will have internet access, cell phones, or computers. During these times, it is important for the teacher to know his or her students and accommodate them all. I would like to implement the flipped classroom model because of the possible effects it may have on student learning. My kids will be able to move at their own pace, watch videos multiple times for understanding, access supplemental resources, as well as jot down question or concerns for the next class period. If I am teaching a unit on cell biology, it would be important for the students to get some of the learning done at home so that we can have a more hands on experience in the classroom. I would create a video online or upload Khan Academy videos for them to watch. In class, we would build 3D models of the cell, reenact cell homeostasis, and I can provide individual feedback to my students that may be struggling with some of the concepts. I really like the idea that some of my students will be able to move on to another topic within the unit if they have mastered a particular concept, and other students that are not ready to move on will have my undivided attention. In classroom where instruction is being giving in the form of bellringer, hook, direct instruction, activity, and closing, there isn’t enough time to address all of the needs of each students. If we were to flip this design, there would be more of the activity part of the lesson and individualized formative assessments. In fact, the entire class period would consist personalized instruction where the students are in control. |
What is a Concept Map?
A concept map is a hierarchical formed diagram that illustrates conceptual knowledge and their relationships within a specific topic from general to specific concepts. It consists of concept labels which are connected together by lines, these lines are labeled with directions. A concept map is often known as a flow chart, it is widely used in education to gain an insight on the overview and for brain-storming new ideas and topics. Concepts maps are great tools to use in the classroom. These diagrams encourage collaborative learning and team knowledge mapping. They also allow deep learning and understanding. Some students are more visual learners therefore, concept maps are good graphic representations of new knowledge. Concepts maps can also be used as assessment tools for educators. Concept Mapping Tools Text 2 Mind Map Mind maps are a great way of organizing your thoughts. To encourage the use of mind mapping, Text 2 Mind Map has provided a free and simple mind mapping tool online since 2008. MindMeister is considered the best online mind mapping software currently on the market. With its award-winning online version and its free mobile apps for iPhone, iPad and Android, users are able to mind map at school, at home, at the office and even on the go. Mind mapping with MindMeister is so simple and intuitive that anyone from first grader to CEO can use it to improve their productivity and turn their creative ideas into action. MindMeister offers a number of powerful features that let users collaborate and brainstorm online, plan projects, develop business strategies, create great presentations and utilize the enormous power of mind maps for their education. Digital Story Telling
ProteinApolis is a fictional cell analogy which relates a cell's organelle functions to different jobs and structures within a city. This video is intended to serve as supplemental material for secondary learners ages 11-15. |
Promethean Board & ActivInspire
The ActivInspire program can be used to make lessons engaging and fun for students. Educators can use a number of features to make lesson on the Promethean board interactive.
The lesson shown on the left is a flip chart lesson on cells created by integrating PowerPoint presentations. My colleague and I used translucency sliders, hidden shapes, and eraser tools to reveal answers and information to engage 10th grade biology learners. The flip chart file can be downloaded below for a better look. You may need to download ActivInspire software if you do no already have it in order to view the file. Download here:
[https://www.dropbox.com/s/wkfr4zehp2304dk/Cell%20Lesson.flipchart?dl=0]
The ActivInspire program can be used to make lessons engaging and fun for students. Educators can use a number of features to make lesson on the Promethean board interactive.
The lesson shown on the left is a flip chart lesson on cells created by integrating PowerPoint presentations. My colleague and I used translucency sliders, hidden shapes, and eraser tools to reveal answers and information to engage 10th grade biology learners. The flip chart file can be downloaded below for a better look. You may need to download ActivInspire software if you do no already have it in order to view the file. Download here:
[https://www.dropbox.com/s/wkfr4zehp2304dk/Cell%20Lesson.flipchart?dl=0]