Debunking the Common Misconception about Flipped Online Classrooms

Hand coming out of laptop - CopyWith all the hype about flipped classrooms, people often wonder if it is possible to do that in an online course. How can a course be flipped when there is no physical setting in the first place?

In Can You Flip an Online Class? on FacultyFocus.com, Barbi Honeycutt and Sarah Glova advocate a redefinition of the term “flip” in order to implement the winning techniques into a purely digital learning environment. They argue that a flipped classroom’s strength lies in its’ focus on students, not the actual class time perimeters.

A flipped classroom – whether traditional or online – is one which practices student centered learning.

With this definition, class time structure is no longer the primary feature of a flipped classroom. Rather, the core element is a course’s utilization of interactive activities, personalized instruction, and an engaging atmosphere. These are tangible characteristics which can be applied in an online classroom.

Consider these techniques to focus on your students:

  • Encourage students to contribute additional resources to class discussions.
  • Ask students to tell you about their personal learning styles. That way, you can have an estimation of how your class learns and how to best serve their needs.
  • Vary the type of assignments so that they play to different students’ strengths.
  • Create dynamic discussion boards. It is always beneficial for students to express themselves.

How have you flipped your online classroom?

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