Flipped Learning Community

So what exactly is a flipped classroom? In doing some research for school I have come across this term time and time again in articles and blogs alike.  To be honest, I was a little unfamiliar with this term and just the name, "flipping" your classroom, suggests a complete and total overhaul.  That doesn't sound easy at all. But alas, after doing a little research, flipping the classroom is definitely within reach for the tech savvy and those less tech-inclined (myself included!).  The Flipped Language Classroom is all about teaching students in the 21st century. A lot of things have changed over the years, but one thing that has stayed relatively the same is our educational system.  This video below sums up what I am talking about, and in a super creative and inspirational way.  Get ready to feel motivated!

So what steps are within our reach to make effective changes in our classrooms? We may not be able to change the entire educational system, but we can begin by making changes within the walls of our classroom.  Often that means using technology either in the classroom or at home for homework assignments.  That is where the term "Flipping the Classroom" comes into play. It's not always easy to flip you classroom, and  by no means should you be expected to figure it all out alone. Flipped Learning Community is a professional learning community that I just discovered- with a page dedicated to world language teachers.  It's a forum of advice, questions, suggestions, by and for world language teachers. 

So here are some ways that being part of the World Language Teachers Flipped Learning Community can help:

• View educational videos on how to flip your classroom and make it tech savvy (I'll definitely be looking at these!)
• Have access to forums where language teachers share their experiences with incorporating tech into the classroom (both good AND bad- candid feedback is always appreciated)
• Ask and answer questions
• Share different sites and tips for flipping your classroom

I have to admit, even though I am overwhelmed with thinking about how to Flip my future classroom, mostly from an organizational and planning standpoint, I am excited by all the possibilities it brings.  Like I said, I will definitely be watching some of those how-to videos because there's a big difference between incorporating tech in the classroom and then incorporating it effectively.  It will be pretty fun to use some new technologies to teach students, and at the very least, to capture their interest! Any suggestions or experience with flipped classrooms? I would love to hear them!