Something very near and dear to my heart right now that integrates distance resources into learning is that of a Flipped Classroom. I recently began doing a flipped model in my room, and am excited to see the ownership of learning that is occurring already.
My students do not all have the ability to watch videos outside of class, so my “flipped” classroom is not necessarily one where they are required to watch the video outside of class and come prepared, but instead is set up so that students can work through at their own pace and are able to ask questions when they need to. Instead of me standing at the front of the room lecturing, I am walking around helping students on their work, checking their answers to work, giving (almost) immediate feedback on work, and allowing students the ability to check their understanding as they go. My videos are broken down in the 3-7 minute videos, then they have practice problems, then they have a mini-quiz to test their knowledge.
So far, students are starting to get it..starting to see that they can ask me more questions, understand better because I’m not spending time teacher, but instead just working with them. Most of the students are on board. But understand, it is not an easy process. I have a few students who are VERY against this method, and they and a few others feel that I am no longer doing my job....I’ll be honest, I was afraid of that too. But, if anything, I feel I can do my job better now, because I have the ability to work one-on-one with these students. Before, after teaching a lesson, we’d be lucky to have 10 minutes for students to work on their homework or classwork before the bell would ring.
I urge you to try it. It is amazing to see the idea of each student having individualized instruction actually come to life.
