#Flippygeek Part Deux (not Ducks)

I have been flipping for awhile. Ever since I discovered how much I enjoy video editing and making a visual tool that I could use in my classroom, I have been flipping content so students and other could share in the learning outside of the school. As I sit here preparing my latest iteration of an informal guide to flipping the classroom, I reflect back to ISTE 2014 and #Flippygeek . When you start flipping, you will use a ton of inquiry, trial and error, and testing, reflection, and revision. You will discover what works and what does not. You will realize what is labor intensive and what is easy. There are so many resources available, white boarding apps, video editing apps and software, talking photo apps, sharing websites and tools, that flipping is easier than ever. 

It is my understanding that many people view flipping as just sending the lecture home and doing the work in the classroom. These people miss the point. You have a captive audience when you flip. Your audience in the classroom is by no means captive. Chances are, by the time you have muddled your way through 5 minutes of lecture, you have lost 50% of your audience in the classroom. Flipping removes the distractions and allows your student to have one on one time with your content. Here are my guidelines to help you get started.

Al's 7 Simple Flip Guidelines

1. Avoid Lecture

2. Make I fun.  Don't standardize. Take your students on an adventure.

3. Let the students make videos.

4. Train your students. 

5. You are not a good talking head. Let the students do the talking. 

6. Make it Personal.

7. Keep It Short

Flipping is worth doing. Sometimes it takes time. Sometimes it fails and falls flat. Sometimes it is a party. I encourage you at any grade level to try it. Make it creative. Encourage your students to flip. Share the flips with your parents. Start a flipping club and flip other subjects. Explore new ways to do it. Most importantly, bring CREATIVITY back into your classroom.

P.S. Once I started flipping, I began to flip my lesson plans. That was so much easier and if your administrator/supervisor is worth their salt, they will see the value in what you are doing.