e-Learning Ecologies MOOC’s Updates

Getting an Enriched Learning Experience Through Flipped Classrooms

One concept of ubiquitous learning is the flipped classroom where the student can access the lectures and lessons via uploaded videos so they may listen and learn at their own pace prior to engaging with the instructor and peers. This allows students to have more control over the material with the ability to rewind and replay concepts as needed so they can come to the table ready to be part of the discussion and get involved in group activities. Flipped classrooms also affords a larger audience to engage in learning online since students are no longer constrained by time and physical space requirements as traditional classrooms have in the past, and invites a greater learning experience with audio, visual, and kinesthetic components to aid the student in content mastery.

 

Flipped classrooms can be found on e-learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, Udacity, and edX. The courses are set up with a series of videos to watch, interactive activities to gauge content mastery, and culminates in online participation where students have to submit assignments, review peers, and be reviewed by peers. Many universities have transitioned to offer their courses to accommodate the growing demand for knowledge and incorporate mobile learning through apps for smartphones and other devices for ease of access.

 

One participant in ubiquitous learning is The University of New South Wales who offers a course via Coursera called Learning to Teach Online.

 

https://www.coursera.org/lecture/teach-online/case-study-the-flipped-classroom-optional-VoM9e

 

 

Their syllabus clearly outlines each week’s assignments, with the number of videos to be watched (including minutes), readings, and quizzes.

 

https://www.coursera.org/learn/teach-online#syllabus

 

The breakdown of the lessons into short videos shows students a review of each key concept and goes over case studies to support each concept. Each step gives a checkpoint for the student, as well as instructor, to determine lesson completion. With these steps and checkpoints built into the flipped classroom, students have the opportunity to be fully engaged and get the most out of their learning experience.