Given that my last several blog posts were conducted via video, I thought it would be fittingly ironic (I never know how to use ironic correctly) to compose this weekly reflection in text during our module on video sharing in education. So, here goes nothing...
This week I read a post by Wes Fryer at the Speed of Creativity blog. First, Wes described an instructional phenomenon that is sweeping the nation. Some (read Daniel Pink) are calling it the "Fisch Flip" although, Karl Fisch himself humbly denies any credit for the approach. Instead Fisch attributes the origin of the concept to Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams work on educational vodcasting.
The basic premiss of the flipped classroom is that a teacher develops their lessons and posts them on a video sharing site or classroom management site prior to face to face class time. Students' homework is to watch the video presentation and then in class they discuss the topics in greater detail. They also participate in independent and group practice of relevant exercises related to the learning task.
Next, Fryer documents a recent interview he had with Dale Eizenga, a chemistry teacher at Holland Christian Schools in Holland, Michigan. Eizenga talks about his experience using the flipped classroom model....
I was struck by Eizengal's use of a sports practice analogy to really bring to light the powerful potential of using web video as an instructional practice. This is certainly a concept I want to explore further as I journey out into the field.
The remainder of Freyer's post outlines his insightful analysis of the interview. I will let you read it for yourself.
