Here's an educational video that I created for PIDP3240

Should cell phones be allowed to be used in class?

Image from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/26311710@N02/, 'Cell Phone's Light' by Kohei314, Creative Commons Licence

My first reaction to cell phone use in the class was definitely, "I wouldn't want the students using their cell phones in class while I'm talking, I think that's rude." 

However, I do see fault with this:

1. I'm still picturing myself up in front of the class for long periods of time, but lecturing isn't a normal part of teaching anymore. It'll be rare that I'll be up in front for longer than 10 minutes at a time. 

2.  This is definitely an example of my own bias. 

I do like this quote from a comment found at the bottom of the following article on cell phone usage in class:

"What we educators really need to do with students is to teach them how to use tools to their advantage (just as any master craftsman does, whether he is an artist, carpenter, or welder), but not to be used by their tools. In doing so, we are giving them the critical skills for good life management. Banning devices will not give our students the opportunity to master this important skill. "

I can agree with that. Taking a commanding approach and making all the rules doesn't enable students to come up with their own rules for themselves (self-regulation). Helping them to make their own decisions on what will benefit them, provides a long lasting benefit.

The Flipped Classroom

This is one of the forum topics in PIDP 3250. Before this forum, I have to admit that I didn't really know what a flipped classroom was. I had heard the term before, and I knew it was a 'newer' way of doing things, but I had never really pursued the topic. 

In this video, the flipped classroom is defined and presented in an easy to understand, entertaining way. 

Copyright © 2015 · All Rights Reserved · Flipping Physics Posted with permission October 22, 2015
Personal note: I was amazed that this high school teacher, Jon, has actually found a way to make physics fun! I think the world needs a lot more teacher's like him, especially in high schools. See more at www.flippingphysics.com.

Based on the above video, some of the benefits that I see of the flipped classroom are:

•  Parents have the option to see what their children (adolescent or adult) are learning, or even spouses for that matter (since we're mainly addressing adult learning). It can open up discussions in their personal life on the topics, which also solidifies learning. (I personally frequently talk to my spouse about what I'm learning in PIDP, mainly because he's around when I'm all excited about it)

• There is more time for active learning - demonstrations, games etc., and assessments.

• Students can ask questions as they're completing assignments, instead of wasting time at home, if stuck.

• Classes are more engaging and fun!

I'm presently developing a curriculum on basic bookkeeping in PIDP3210, and this has completely changed how I'm going to present it! It's kind of like a workshop for people who own their own small business, or their family members (whoever wants to do the monthly bookkeeping). 

One of the problems, I was finding, is that there is a lot of material to cover, starting with basic accounting knowledge. So, it was going to need to be minimum a 30 hour course. This could increase the challenge of having students commit to it. 

I had originally set up the plan of having the students come in to class, then I would present the material, we would do activities to help lock it in, and then I would assess their learning. This was going to be a long process considering we would be addressing 3-4 lessons a day that would need to run through that process. My original plan didn't include any work at home. 

However, with the flipped classroom idea, I can make videos (hopefully very creative, interesting videos) on the key concepts, and then have the students attend a series of interactive weeknights, instead of full days at a time. 

First and foremost, this will be a much more engaging experience for the students. But also, I think it will cut down on instructional time needed in the classroom and increase time for activities and questions. Likely, I will be able to cut the total time down to maybe 20 hours? I'm excited, I think this will make it so much better!