This semester I got the crazy idea to try flipping my microbiology classroom. I have read several articles espousing the benefits of flipping (see this post) and it seems like the solution to my student engagement problems. Perhaps I should have waited until the Fall term so that I had more time to prepare, but I truly felt like I needed to make major changes now. I am structuring my class so that my students view two or three short (10-15min) video lectures before coming to each class period. We meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays for an hour and fifteen minutes. I spend that time having my students working in groups on a variety of activities or I facilitate large group discussions on a particular aspect of the subject covered in the online lectures. This is the second week of classes so we are really only getting started but I have learned a lot about the process already.
1) It takes WAY more time to prepare for the video lectures than it did for live, in class lectures. I carefully write a script for each online lecture because I am trying to be as precise and succinct as possible in delivering the information. Recording the lectures also takes much longer than the 10-15 minute product. This is followed by more time spent editing and uploading the videos. I am not doing anything fancy, just using PowerPoint. I can’t imagine how much time it would take to incorporate more multimedia.
2) Planning the in-class activities also takes a substantial amount of time. I select activities based on the topic of the week. I have to carefully plan out the resources needed, copies to be made, videos we might watch, etc. Yesterday, I found myself running to Walmart an hour before class to pick up the materials needed for our project of the day.
3) It can be expensive. I have not asked for institutional support in this endeavor. I used my own money to purchase the software that I am using for the video production. I also use my own money to purchase supplies for some of our activities. I have the means to do it, but other teachers may not.
Yesterday was our first major group project. I had the students build models of cell structures using arts and crafts materials. We had so much fun. There was laughter. Students were moving around and making messes with glue and construction paper. The classroom was noisy, but the students stayed on task. They had a chance to take the material out of the textbook and really touch it. Overall, I think this is going to be a great experience. Only time will tell. Our first exam is next Thursday. I will report back then!