Reflections...or Random Thoughts

So far so good on an AP US History Flip classroom.  I am amazed how much 1 on 1 interaction that I am now able to have with my students with the spectre of lecturing off of my back. While I believe I had a great classroom environment before, it is even better now.  I also think kids appreciate that fact that I am trying to do something different. 

Students reactions have been pretty positive...but some are unhappy because...gasp...they have to apply knowledge in class.  It was easy before...sit and listen to a cool presentation by myself, be entertained, and learn some historical facts.  Now, with more class time for higher level activities, kids must apply knowledge.

Finally...this week has given me one the great benefits of a flipped classroom...giving my students one on one feedback on essay writing.  It has been so great to be able to work with each one of them and give them specific feedback on their writing...why haven't I been flipping all along????

A Great Blog...

Many times I am so excited with the direction of education...

Many times I am dismayed at the direction of education...

Take a read here...this is a great post that really makes you think...

BYOD....Lets do this thing!

http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/school-to-kids-byo-gadgets-a941i6k-138537694.html?page=1

I think BYOD is one of the great advances in education.  Soooooo many kids already have their own deceives.  What if we unleashed them and allowed them to have their own device to help with their own learning?  Let's put the learning in the hands of the kids...

In the days of shrinking budgets lets think smarter not harder.  If a school is equipped for student wifi access then we should encourage them to bring their own devices. 

What if a kid doesn't have a device?????  Schools should provide low-cost tablets or net books for check out for students.  Schools can also have desktops available in and around the school.

Here is a novel concept...lets stop spending so much money on copy machines and more money on computers!  Teachers have tools like Google Docs and any number of LMS's that allow to be as paperless as possible.

Lets stop teaching in the 20th century and move forward to the 21st century!!