Flipped Classroom

 The concept of a flipped classroom has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Within a flipped classroom, students have the ability to engage in more useful discussions/activities with prior knowledge of a certain topic. For example, students in a flipped classroom would be required to read/watch materials before class meetings and come to class prepared to test their knowledge.

A Descriptive Image Comparing the Traditional Vs. Flipped Classroom

    Throughout my experience within middle and high school, most of it consisted of a traditional classroom setting. Many times, we would read a book in class and only be expected to do occasional homework outside of the class. Most of the coursework and materials required for us to learn, only happened in the classroom. However, as I have progressed through college, I have noticed more professors using the concept of a flipped classroom for their lessons. I have experienced this mostly in my English courses, which required me to read chapters or short stories before class so that we may use class time for an open discussion. This taught me not only discipline within my coursework, but also prepared my brain so that I am thinking about bigger ideas that I may share with the class. This tactic would also mean allowing students to take over in a way so that the teacher is there merely as support. Additionally, this concept may not be fit for everyday use or for certain ages. It is important that both the teacher and students come up with ways to design the classroom to fit their needs. Maybe, it is functional for some classes to use a flipped approach occasionally, giving the students various opportunities to change how the course is designed. Often, a flipped classroom can be a nice refreshment to allow students to feel in control. On the other hand, it may be too much for certain students to do all of the coursework outside of class depending on their ages, routines, and other responsibilities. Regardless of the way a classroom is set up, the only outcome that matters is that both the teacher and students are happy and thriving within their environment. 

Virtual Schooling

A Picture of a Teacher Instructing Students On a Laptop

Virtual schooling has become a popular form of education over the last decade. With virtual schooling, students and teachers are offered many opportunities to expand their discussions outside of the standard classroom. In the state of Tennessee, virtual schooling is offered as a way to adequately ensure each student receives an equal chance of an education. There are several factors that play into virtual schooling and is a reason as to why it is a huge topic within the education community. Additionally, the last few years surrounding a pandemic have opened the doors to a much larger discussion over the consideration of the effectiveness of virtual schooling. 

 

 Virtual schooling provides many families with the opportunity to educate their children in a way that fits within their lifestyle. During my last two years of high school, I decided going to public school was no longer for me. I felt as if having the ability to do my classes at my own pace, would allow me to create a schedule that felt more flexible and less restrictive. As a junior and senior in high school, I was able to do my online classes at any time of the day and choose from several different online programs/formats that best fit me. Additionally, this change prepped me for the transition into the pandemic my senior year of high school and going into college. Since I had already experienced what it was like to do school asynchronously, I was able to transition into the online classes in college in a much smoother way. While doing asynchronous courses, I became aware of some of the advantages and concerns others had of online school. These observations have led me to draw a few opinions about the current popular topic of virtual schooling. 

 Nowadays, students entering school are familiar with the technological world around them. Most of them are already learning through mobile apps/websites on their laptops or tablets. In school, they use technology incorporated into their curriculum in order to ensure they are not only technologically savvy, but learning in a way that stays in touch with the outside world. For many students, virtual schooling works for them. I have noticed some who prefer to be able to have a flexible schedule so they can also have time to focus on extra curricular activities and/or responsibilities. As well as other students who may be struggling in a general classroom and may need the safety and calmness of their own home in order to learn. On the other hand, there are some who need the structure and face to face interaction in order to feel involved in the curriculum. However, whatever the standpoint and opinion is for many students and teachers, there is one aspect that many can agree on: the convince. Virtual schooling offers a convenient alternative to in person school for whatever the case may be.