The global rise of flipped learning and why flipping the class is the perfect answer for today’s educational climate

Classes globally are flipping

The rise of flipped learning globally is indisputable. Jon Bergmann, one of the pioneers of the Flipped Class Movement is leading the worldwide adoption of flipped learning by working with governments, schools, corporations, and education non-profits. Jon is coordinating or guiding flipped learning initiatives around the globe including China, Taiwan, Korea, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, the Middle East, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Canada, South America, and the United States.

In addition to Jon’s work, flipped learning projects mushroom in schools and other educational institutions all over the world. Take for example here in Australia in a project run at the University of Adelaide, the flipped classroom concept is being translated into practice in first year Health Sciences. In New Zealand, Kiwi classes are flipping. The Head of Department Social Studies at Waitakere College, is an advocate for flipped learning. He first saw the idea of the flipped classroom through Twitter. As he trawled through Twitter feeds watching clips on the flipped classroom idea, it suddenly dawned on him: ‘Why on earth haven’t I done this before?’ It made perfect sense and seemed simple to implement.” He is not alone. Just witness the growing mass of teachers globally who are on to this “good thing”.

Educational climate and pervasive digital technologies

Today’s educational climate is crying out for a pedagogical model like flipped learning.

Currently there is widespread dissatisfaction with poor learning outcomes. The global education community is pressuring for student centred learning environments. Schools are everywhere, thoroughly infused into society. Parents view schools as places for them to learn too. Teachers are everybody and they are everywhere.

Supporting this educational climate is an ambient, digital universe blessed with prevalent digital technology with the potential to make learning irresistibly engaging, attractive, seductive, pervasive and sophisticated for all. This is digital technology in the service of learning.

Taken together, the current educational climate and the prevalence of powerful digital technologies, have opened up an opportunity and niche for sound pedagogies to thrive, delivering improved learning outcomes and greater learning satisfaction. Flipped learning, one such pedagogy, has positioned itself well to take advantage of the demanding climate and pervasive digital resources. Flipped learning is about to make a powerful and arguably permanent mark on the education world stage.

Why flipping the class is the perfect answer

The concept of flipping is driven by answering two fundamental questions:

• Am I teaching to the group from the front far too much?
• Am I using my face-to-face time with my students well, befitting the trained professional teacher that I am?

When teachers begin to unpick and answer these two questions, their practice begins to change and the elements of good teaching come to the fore.

In the simplest of explanations flipped learning is essentially where the student absorbs the lesson at home and does the homework in class. The emphasis is shifted from a teacher-centred classroom to a student-centred learning environment. Flipped learning is making the best use of face to face class time. Flipped learning transfers the ownership of the learning to the learners and it personalises learning for all learners. The model gives teachers the time to explore deeper learning opportunities and pedagogies with their students. Learning not teaching is the centre of the classroom.

Technology is central to flipped learning. Identifying the right technology, the right technology providers and securing the necessary technical training are vital. Flipped learning takes advantage of the seductive and pervasive nature of digital technology.

In summary flipped learning meets most of the demands of today’s educational climate and stakeholder expectations for improving learning outcomes.

Jon Bergmann – flipped learning pioneer and FlipCon Masterclass

Jon Bergmann one of the pioneers of the flipped learning movement will be in Australia in October and November 2016. Why not come and learn from Jon at the FlipCon Masterclass day at the Gold Coast (Saturday 15 October) or Adelaide (Saturday 19 November)? The choice is yours!

Meet Jon and the other Masterclass leaders and hear briefly about their expertise and passion for flipped learning. Learn from global experts on flipped learning, why flipping the class is the perfect answer for today’s educational climate. Learn the four categories of technology necessary to flip your classroom, how to create flipped videos students will love, and get important tips on how to build in interactivity into your flipped lessons regardless of which technological tool you use. There is not just one way to flip a classroom.  Learn how teachers from all disciplines and all levels can flip their classes. And for those interested in flipping a school what are the best practices for bringing flipped learning to scale?  How do you bring key stakeholders into the picture?

Register for Gold Coast now at: www.ereg.me/FlipConGC/register or

Register for Adelaide now at: www.ereg.me/FlipConA/register

If you want something less intensive than the FlipCon Masterclass provides, then there are other FlipCon options for you, available at: www.flipconaus.com