Journal Three: Upsidedown and Inside Out

Upsidedown and Inside Out Article

         Fulton, K. (2012). Upside down and inside out: Flip your classroom to improve student learning. Learning & leaning with technology, 39(8), 12-14. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_To_Flip_or_Not_to_Flip.aspx



 One thing has become very clear as I read this article.  The rush to create and incorporate technology in the classroom has mushroomed beyond our control.  While we need to balance the need to be updated on our knowledge of the internet and how it works, we should also look at how this phenomenon can become a blessing and not a curse.  Some have approached this topic with a sincere desire to help, others are out for themselves-making money.  Belive me, we are drowned in information but lacking in knowledge.  The article is about an attempt to incorporate technology, in yet another innovative way, to use technology in the classroom.
         Here are my views on the matter: First, if the use of Flipped can help some students, try it.  One size doesn't fit all.  Some students are very proficient and using technology to learn can be a positive outcome.  Yet, some will struggle to keep up with the new gadget or the new product.  Like the parents in the article, I am a skeptic when it comes to something new that all must learn to improve scores.  No.  Not all students can learn from using technology.  I have seen the disparity in my own classroom.  While some who have access to phones and know the ins and outs of its use, most of the students do not even have phones or access to a computer at home.  These are the students who will be marginalized and ended up being left behind.  Second, the article pointed out that discipline is a problem.  There is so much fuss and problems without having to use the computers.  When computer use is factored in, it is hard to control the behavior.  Third, staying on task while on computer is extremely difficult.  Students would be e-mailing, listening to music, going on facebook, etc.   

Question 1: What are the benifits of trying new things in the classroom?
Answer: Not all students learn the same way.  Some are more technologically savvy and must be given the chance to try new ways of learning.  They, in turn, will help others become proficient.

Question 2: What are the downside of incoporating a flipped upside down approach district-wide?
Answer: While students who are proficient benefit from a flipped classroom, most students do not have the means and are not proficient in technology.  Other problems include behavior and staying on task.  Other students can learn better having a textbook in front of them instead of a computer.