The idea of using online presentations for a flipped classroom is something that I have been considering to use in my future classroom. I think that I would like to do a blended learning program where some of the content would be delivered via an online presentation, while there would still be a traditionally formatted until I could get a better handle on how to present information in an engaging matter. Recently, I have used previously made online presentations in my practicum to provide students with additional information on content that they may have been struggling with. This was primarily through the use of YouTube videos. Another reason to maintain some of the traditional setting in a biology classroom is because of the value of questioning and inquiry in the classroom. I think that this interaction is very important in a science classroom. I would be concerned that as the students would have questions when they watched the presentation and that they would forget these questions to bring to class the following day. I do think that the use of other technologies such as Twitter or email could alleviate some of this by encouraging students to email/ Tweet the teacher with any questions that they have as they watch the online presentation. After attending some PD sessions on Flipped Classrooms, I have realized the importance of creating a routine with the flipped classroom. Another important factor that was iterated in the presentations of flipped classrooms is teacher preparation is very I do think that flipped classrooms is something that I am interested in experimenting with in my future classroom.
One of my biggest thoughts in creation of an online presentation is how to make it engaging. I think that this point is vital to the use of a flipped classroom as well as it is important in any online presentation. I think that some subjects may lend itself more to different subject areas than others. In terms of the direct delivery of content, the Khan Academy is quite effective at highlighting key points of a topic. I occasionally feel as though these presentations are not as effective at engagement. In terms of online presentation of content I think that CrashCourse on YouTube is more engaging. I do see how different presentation mediums can be more effective and engaging, but I still value face-to-face interaction as the most engaging way to present material. I also think that this type of education develops relationships between students and teachers as well.
Online presentations are a great tool for students to collaborate on an assignment or project. They are great in terms of students collaborating and having access when it is a good time for them to do so. As previously mentioned, I think that it is more useful for students to create presentations rather than to be consumers of the content.
Previously in my blog posts, I have posted my example of an online presentation. Although there are many things that I plan on changing in the future, it is still a starting point. Below is a sample CrashCourse video (online presentation).