The flipped classroom incorporates a unique and innovative approach to classroom and teaching methodology. Using technology, a flipped classroom aims to enhance student learning by using class time to focus on student understanding. In a flipped classroom, teachers must post content online in the form of videos. This allows students to go over the lecture at their own time and pace (Wolff and Chan, 2016). This enables the class to focus and expand on areas and clear up misconceptions during class time.
Some advantages of this learning style are:
I feel there is a lot of gain by applying this approach. Institutes and students can benefit by adopting this approach because more useful material will be accessible at the click of a mouse. Commitment must be agreed to by both, student and teacher. Institutes must take external factors into consideration and think of the student's needs first. Practical and suitable control measures need to be in place to support this type of pedagogy. If successful, this model be the next big thing since CLT was introduced. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ References Wolff, L. C. and Chan, J. (2016) Flipped classrooms for legal education. Hong Kong: Springer
Please watch the video below and discuss whether this idea should be integrated within the classroom.
Reference:
Title: Flipping the Classroom: Explained URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQWvc6qhTds_ Uploader: MediaCore Date: 21/12/2012
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Breakthrough technologies such as Apple and Android devices have enabled users to carry mountains of data and information in a small compact unit. These devices also carry software known as 'apps' short for applications. Oxford Dictionaries (2016) define an app to be " an application, especially downloaded by a user to a mobile device". Apps are of various nature and perform various functions. In this context, apps can serve a very important function in language learning as well as language teaching.
There are many apps to aid language learning, but due care must be taken as apps can be created and the content may not be authentic and could mislead users. Trusted and reputable organisations have released apps for language learners such as the British Council and Macmillan. Everyday apps, for English language learners, have been released, which have replaced normal classroom items such as the dictionary (A short video of the dictionary app can be seen on the following link). Beach and O'Brien (2014) mention that students can research, share and interact using apps, which makes using this technology worthwhile. There are many positives of apps in language learning and many negative elements, which may cause users to be reluctant to use them. Some disadvantages are that apps could contain information, which is not correct, they could distract learners, all learners may not have 'smart' phones. These disadvantages may cause teachers and learners alike to not incorporate this technology in the classroom, as traditional methods reduce the possible risk factors. Please discuss your experiences of using this technology in the classroom or if you are deciding to implement 'apps' in the classroom share your thoughts. I have encouraged the use of a particular app on this website. Information relating to that can be found on here. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ References Oxford Dictionaries. (2016). app - definition of app in English from the Oxford dictionary. [online] Available at: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/app [Accessed 6 May 2016]. Beach, R. and O'Brien, D. 2014 Using Apps for Learning Across the Curriculum: A Literacy-Based Framework and Guide. New York: Routledge. This is a website that I have used with my learners and have found really beneficial. Please see the details below.
URL http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/teaching-adults Audience Teachers Level All levels (Beginner, intermediate, advanced) Skills Reading, listening, speaking, writing Advantages
Disadvantages
Overall comment This website is very easy to use and navigate. It has a wealth of resources which are current and can help teachers. The design of the website is current and will attract teachers into exploring further. There is constant debate on whether it is easier to teach a classroom with students speaking the same L1. There are benefits like the stronger students will be able to assist weaker students in different parts of language learning and some students may be shy and may rely on classmates for direction. Atkinson (1987) mentions that the mother tongue is a wasted resource in the EFL classroom and states that fluency development is affected due to the neglect of this resource. Some drawbacks would be that students may continuously talk in their L1 and neglect the use of the target language and they may use their L1 as a translation tool, where they will translate each word into their L1 and construct sentences. This could lead to future problems, as students may not realise their L1 has a different grammatical structure to the target language.
Please give your views on the aforementioned title and discuss whether students with the same L1 should be able to use it in the classroom. If yes, what control measures should be put into place and if no, why? _______________________________________________________________________________________________ References Atkinson, D. (1987) The mother tongue in the classroom: a neglected resource? ELT Journal, 41(4), pp 241-247. What is an Interactive Whiteboard (IWB)?
"An interactive whiteboard is an instructional tool that allows computer images to be displayed onto a board using a digital projector. The instructor can then manipulate the elements on the board by using his finger as a mouse, directly on the screen. " BBC Active As new technology is cropping up in the classroom, old teaching tools are being replaced. The classic blackboard and chalk was replaced by a whiteboard and marker and now the whiteboard is slowly being phased out by its electronic successor the Interactive Whiteboard (IWB). There are many benefits and drawbacks related to this piece of classroom kit. Some of which are: Advantages of using interactive whiteboards in a ELT classroom setting 1. Once the board has been used, the content can be saved and re-used at another time 2. Create and build a library of lessons, which will be efficient and consistent for future classes 3. Board-work and content can be shared with colleagues and can be incorporated in the syllabus as a default template 4. Students can collaborate or compete with each other simultaneously, with the addition of using images and audio 5. Gap fill and word ordering activities are easily completed (saves time) Disadvantages of using interactive whiteboards in a ELT classroom setting 1. The initial time taken to produce materials can be lengthy, as texts will need to be typed 2. Does not match the sensitivity and response rate of a normal whiteboard when writing 3. The main focus of the lesson may be diverted on using new technology 4. May distract the students from the actual task 5. IWBs are expensive I feel the IWB needs to be normalised in the classroom for effective teaching to take place because students may be new to it and will not feel confident in using its features. Another area I feel that the IWB lacks most of the time is the responsiveness. This could be due to the manufacture and quality, but some show delay and could create frustration amongst students. The technology is smart and innovative and has capabilities of developing a productive classroom. Let me know what you think and contribute to this post, as it will aid teachers to understand the role of using the IWB in the classroom. In our daily lives we constantly, sometimes unknowingly, rely on technology for almost everything. Examples include communicating with family and friends, paying bills, surfing the web and so on. Taking these point into consideration, should we, as teachers, try and incorporate more use of technology within classroom?
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