9 [Flipping] Out for Powerpoint

     I think the concept of the flipped classroom is a wonderful concept but it really isn't the most efficient idea for an elementary classroom. While I like the idea of having most of the time in class to answer questions that lead to frustration at home, I don't think the lectures would be watched. Not only would they be avoided by people without access to technology or wifi to watch the lectures online, but also by the students who would rather learn from doing the work instead of sitting on their own time and watching a lecture. If it were more feasible and trackable, I would definitely be more open to the idea of a flipped classroom. Here's a great website to explain what a Flipped Classroom is and how it works and here is a website with some sample videos for a flipped classroom!

     Edutopia has some great features for teachers. At first glance, I thought it was a news outlet for teachers but after a closer look, I noticed it's actually an online community geared toward educators. There are several options for exploring the field of education including videos, discussion boards, and blog-like posts about different ways to be an effective teacher and different methods of professional development. 
     The web page's "About Me" tab reads, "We share evidence- and practitioner-based learning strategies that empower you to improve K-12 education." which I believe puts in perspective exactly what Edutopia has to offer. The goal of the site is to really help teachers "focus on schools' untapped potential to truly engage students and inspire them" by giving them the opportunity to join together as a community and talks about what works --and what doesn't-- in the classroom.

     This week's assignment has been tougher than I expected. I started out struggling to find a way to incorporate all the necessary elements into my lesson and after three days of trying, I changed my standard. Through the assignment, I learned how to download a template from the internet and use SmartArt, as well as how to add buttons and add timing to my Powerpoint so it could run itself. In the future, I would probably have to write out the lesson's point and all the main topics I'd want to cover before delving into the world of technology. I confused myself more than I should have since I tried to just go for it and not write anything down. I think when used as an aid instead of a crutch, Powerpoint is a great tool. This assignment has helped show me how to use the program without putting too much information on it and just reading from the slides.

Here's how I introduced important body parts in riddle form to my hypothetical second grade class: