Flipping the High School Classroom

We're working on it. 

You can say that we're thinking outside the box, we are exploring possibilities, or that we just want to do something different. But really, what we're hoping to do is transform our approach to education by introducing the flipped classroom. For further understanding, also check out The Flipped Class: Myth vs. Reality.

If you look at the first text link above (go ahead), it's obvious the effect it can have. At our school, we continuously have our students moving towards this, the flipped classroom. Technology begins in first grade. We don't neglect the traditional. We supplement it. If you fast forward to our middle school, however, you'll see the definitive tools we implement to reach this goal: Google Apps for Education, constructive projects, blogging, integration of powerful 2.0 tools, ePortfolios, and global collaboration. Students progress decisively towards a personalized learning experience--one in which they learn cooperative teamwork, a necessary skill for the job market. 

But there's more to it than that.

We now are approaching a time when we have to consider the new high school and how we'll continue on this path. Have you looked at Khan Academy and YouTube lately? Several years ago I made my own instructional videos, and it was very time consuming. Why would we make our own now when there is an endless supply of tremendous instructional videos on hand? These are videos that are more polished than any I would make, they deliver the same message I would deliver (and better), and they are available simply by embedding or sharing the link. Resources are not a problem for a flipped classroom and they are largely free. 

Let's consider costs. Textbooks are not necessary; technology is. The building we're in is already wired, so no extras there. We can do away with paper, notebooks, binders, pencils, erasers, and markers for the most part (mathematics will require some tweaking). Our preference is to use tablets, not laptops, and this is the main cost we must consider. By next fall, the costs of current tablets should be lower and reasonable. When you consider that this is the main tool a student will need, it's actually a cheaper route than the traditional. 

And let's consider size. We will be a small high school and this works in our favor. Teachers can be trained effectively to use this model and there will be continued support, either f2f or through our portal. Students will receive more one-on-one in their curriculum applications, which is the most effective instruction. They will be engaged, develop their online presence, and create a personalized learning experience to last a lifetime.

Individuality and responsibility are the main components to the model. Student ePortfolios will be created for all four years and can be used for college application, which is the future projection. Consider how effective this could be: fill out a university application and provide links to your growth as a student, your personal experience in learning. It's sure to make an impression and set you apart as an applicant. 

We're working on it. And it becomes more enticing as the new year rolls around.