A Flipped Classroom: A Case Study Integrating MyITlab in a Technology Literacy Course: Lessons Learned Deanna Gordon, Professor Maryann Gallant, Professor

Applied Technology Department Definition of a "Flipped Classroom" “A flipped classroom is the introduction and practice of concepts and course materials prior to classroom discussion.”

Important Issues Considered Selecting software for the flipped classroom Software considerations: ▫ PC/Mac compatibility ▫ Simulated environment ▫ Limited need for Office on individual computers ▫ Access off campus ▫ Publisher Tech Support ▫ Pricing ▫ Availability of textbook vs. ebook

Why We Selected MyITlab? Training component - Step by step and project based e-book with option to purchase hard copy Scenarios driven examples and assessments Objective chapter questions and test banks Grader product using actual software - graded online Flexibility of additional textbooks Pricing and multi-year option Off-campus accessibility

MyITLab – Student View

Getting the Flipped Classroom Ready Informing student of flipped classroom approach Training students in using MyITLab Creating assignments conducive to critical thinking and problem solving Collaboration amongst flipped classroom faculty Installing software on campus computers

Implementation of the Flipped Classroom Structure: Prior to class meeting: ▫ Read chapter(s) in the ebook ▫ Complete chapter training and questions using MyITLab During class meeting: ▫ Discussion of chapter topics ▫ Implementation of activities in critical thinking and problem solving ▫ Software utilization in completion of MyITLab grader assignments

Outcomes of Student Performance More meaningful discussions in class Higher level of self-confidence of students Students more engaged in discussions Better performance on exams Multiple attempts to complete assignments Student collaboration within and outside of sections

Lessons Learned About MyITLab Install utility on each Mac used Issues with Mac - concept of RDP Initial installation of utility with desktop shortcut Default save location on campus computers Proper submission of grader assignments ▫ Using good document naming ▫ Versions other than Office 2010  How we worked around version or platform Workarounds: ▫ Keyboard workarounds (no delete key on Mac)

Lessons Learned – Flipped Classroom Students: ▫ More engaged in discussions ▫ Eliminated cheating ▫ Increased collaboration ▫ Took time to change the culture regarding the amount of assigned homework ▫ Blamed software for poor grades – gave up easily ▫ Adjusted quickly to the precision of the software ▫ Good at getting faculty off track ▫ More comfortable checking in with faculty ▫ Better at articulating areas to review

Lessons Learned – Flipped Classroom Faculty: ▫ Faculty set tone – overwhelmed and blamed software for non-technical issues ▫ Enforced deadlines ▫ Schedule assignments in advance ▫ Test lessons prior to assigning ▫ Engaged classroom instead of strictly lecture

Lessons Learned – Flipped Classroom Faculty: ▫ Less time needed for prep and grading – allowing for more creative classroom planning ▫ Cover more material ▫ Teaching Assistant – bridged the gap for students in learning MyITLab ▫ Tech support issues:  Fall 2013 – contact us  Spring 2014 – contact publisher

Full Implementation of the Flipped Classroom Faculty: ▫ Need additional training of faculty to implement a flipped classroom approach ▫ Many faculty are “set in their ways” ▫ Need faculty buy-in ▫ Learning outcomes for all sections of the same course ▫ Consistent student learning experience ▫ Faculty fears of open discussions in classroom ▫ Running out of time – not covering all material

Student Comments – Flipped Classroom What does a flipped classroom mean to you? Explain When I hear flipped classroom I automatically think teacher and student almost flipping or changing position, not in a literal sense but switching out of the means of your everyday teacher to student classroom behavior. Having the students read about a certain topic before we are taught it in class so we can be ahead of others and have questions ready for class A flipped classroom means that the class should be engaging in activities. It is important to be hands on and do exercises while we learn things to fully understand what to do The students knowing the material before and then asking during class if there are any questions. Instead of listening to a lecture, already having an idea of the topic and asking questions.

Student Comments – Flipped Classroom Do you complete the readings and chapter assignments before class? If no, why not? Yes, because I do not feel lost if I do it before class Yes, because if I am confused on something I like to ask questions and be on track Yes, that way if I have questions about the chapter they can be answered in class.

YOUR THOUGHTS