The Benefits of Technology in the Flipped Classroom

The benefits of technology within a flipped classroom did not receive as much mention as I thought it might. Fewer than 10% of my students (25/292, 8.6%) noted any benefits of using technology in the flipped composition class. I had thought technology would figure more prominently in their thoughts about the flipped classroom, but flexible work schedules and better learning were mentioned much more often. I think that shows how much smarter and more perceptive my students are than I. They know that the flipped class is not about the technology, but about the learning. They are spot on.

While in-class technology is not necessary for flipping a class, it certainly helps. The first two terms I used the flipped class I was in a regular classroom with a teacher's workstation but no student workstations. We managed, but my students noted that the situation was not optimal, and by the third term, I my students had persuaded me to persuade the scheduling folk to schedule my classes in the computer lab. It helped, and the students noticed.

1. the flipped classroom was great because we learned the subject at home and let it marinate in our heads. then being in class, we can actually put it into work with fellow classmates, while having access to you for any and every questions. also i would suggest for you to request a classroom with computers just so we wouldn't have to separate from the class and you be in another room , not being able to walk us through right then and there.. a lot of people are more of a hands on [tactile] learner. to me would seem much easier and more comfortable learning experience with the computer lab.
2. WAY BETTER! I like this way better because it gives you a chance to stay on top of your work especially if a student does not have their own computer.
3. Last semester I wasnt really into the flip class thing but I have to admit it has helped me alot with my typing skills and being computer friendly. So I am going to say to keep it because it does help in many ways.
4. Different, but I kind of like it. Beats [having] to prewrite everything of your essay. Or having to carry your own laptop everywhere you go.

Several students seemed to appreciate having modern technology integrated so well into their class. They see a benefit in using technology day-to-day to sharpen their skills and to prepare them for life in the 21st century.

1. it keeps us learning more about the pcs
2. It helped me get to know the computer more and learn how to work google more since it is coming up.
3. With todays technology introducing the flip class was wonderful. It allowed us to use todays technological advancement to better use our writing skills. I think many students will be apprehensive at first until truly understanding the expectation.
4. It help but for me I'm a more hands on person so just telling me to do it and not showing me make it a little harder. but this help my computer skills when i first started the class i didn't know what this was but now I'm very much informed and can go on learning with a finished hand on computing.
5. I think the flipped class should stay because in the future, not very far from now everything is going to be done online; so I think this is a good training for students to learn how to use online resources.
6. Now, I am glad that I have experienced this pattern of class because it allows me to go forward through the world of computing. Also, I have learned severe applications that help me to improve my life as student, and I am sure that these applications I am still using them when I will complete my career.
7. I think for english being a flipped classroom is good!! I don't think it could work for every subject but with writing using the internet to explore and use all the techniques that we use in here are definitely helpful!

Then, students appreciated the affordances of technology, especially in terms of managing their complicated life schedules and getting their work done when they can:

1. Yes please keep the flipped class sessions. It allows us to use the cloud services without needing to be at class (if we were sick or etc) but its a great way to communicate and work together.
2. I think it took a bit to get used to it but I liked doing everything online, make for easy access, and I like keeping up/staying in tune with technology and this made me feel like I was.
3. As mentioned before, the technology used in the flipped class is new to me but I think it is useful. With our busy schedule flipped classes can be a great tool
4. It allowed students to be present even when they're are physically absent. It is a great tool because it favors all students.
5. Flipped Classroom was absolutely convenient for me. It's is a great way to participate in the class when technically you're not in the classroom. It allows you to go online and do the work from your home while the teacher is helping you at the same time. This is great for when a person's ill or for any reason couldn't make it to class.
6. Flipped class was convenient because it enabled students to participate and work together even when outside of class room, the downside is everybody working together at about the same time.
7. Yes the flipped classroom was the most innovating method I have ever seen. For any reason if we couldn't make it at class, we still could catch up through computer with the whole class from home. The best thing ever.... 

Finally, some students simply enjoy using computers and cloud services:

1. The flipped classroom has been a pleasure. I enjoy using the computers, and the technique of flipped classrooms. This has worked for me for sure.
2. It was different, but personally I would prefer most of the work to have been done in class and the internet things as a guide or reference. The google doc was the main thing that I really really enjoyed as it helped organize and keep track of papers without having to carry around a flash drive. But this is a writing class, so it is expected, of course, as we are writing our final online. It is definitely something to get used to and I would not be surprised if more courses or all will soon be the same in the early years to come.
3. This is a must! I love not having to write papers with pencil anymore. It's so much easier on the computer. And being able to do work online is great.
4. Perfect.  This was the first time I have seen the flipped class and I love it.  maybe because I like computers and have horrible handwriting so the computer takes care of all the worst parts of my writing and puts them on a level playing field with everyone else.  It even fixes my bad spelling!
5. This is a must! I love not having to write papers with pencil anymore. It's so much easier on the computer. And being able to do work online is great. 

A few students noted the environmental benefits of technology:

1. i liked the flipped  class.  not so much as i didn't have to write anything down on paper.  this was good to be able to save paper.  All the work that i had to do was on the computer.  made it very easy to do.  the work was also to do at home
2. I liked working on the computer a lot. It is also environmental friendly since we are not wasting paper and doing all of our work online. It also made learning fun for me because I was doing something new.

I think that most of my students would agree with these sentiments, but they did not think to mention technology. Is technology possibly becoming an assumed part of higher education? I'll have to look more closely into this question.

Flipping Improves Learning

From the student point of view, the flipped classroom improves learning. A noticeable number of students (21/292, 7.2%) stated in a variety of ways that they learned well, even better, in the flipped composition class. I think that more of my students would support the enhanced learning enabled by flipped classrooms, but I have not provided any guidance on their feedback. I'm pleased that so many of my students are convinced that a classroom technique most of them had never before experienced made a difference in their learning.

1. It helps us understand better, it's easier.
2. the strong about the flipped classroom is that it helped me become a better writer... no weakness
3. This was a great idea. I learned outside of class and inside the classroom.  
4. It helped me a lot. keep it
5. The flipped classroom has been a pleasure. I enjoy using the computers, and the technique of flipped classrooms. This has worked for me for sure.
6. I like it because I get the concept either way online or in class! Prof. Hamon no matter how you teach it to us we always grasp the concept because you make it easy to understand 
7. If all my classrooms could be like this, i would absloutley love it. i feel like i learn more this way, then sitting in a class listening to a teacher talk for almost two hours. Flipped classroom deff helps keep me concentrated and motivated to do my work. 
8. I liked the flipped classroom. I like how by doing this in the classroom setting it left the classroom open to work on things we really need help with, I never left as if i was just home doing homework and I was lost, because most of the core work was done in the classroom 
9. I enjoyed the flipped classroom. I do wish we had more time for class discussions, as I previously mentioned. Overall, I think the flipped classroom did help me improve my writing.
10. Flipped class WORKS, Don't change it. LOVED IT.
11. Flipped classroom to me is wonderful I feel that it helps students learn in a variety of ways. 
12. I think for english being a flipped classroom is good!! I don't think it could work for every subject but with writing using the internet to explore and use all the techniques that we use in here are definitley helpful!
13. I believe by looking outside the class for content and lectures to help the class gave me more insight and a fresh perspective to what needed to be done.
14. The flip class it also helpful for me. Keep it
15. In life I have come to realize that the more perspective that one has on any perticular topic has the potential to result in the presentation of more significant information. 
16. very effective way to introduce students to online coures in class room.
17. It worked well.  I really don't have any complaints about this at all.
18. I enjoyed this experience. I actually learned more than other classes. I was able to retain alot more with this technique.
19. The flipped classroom was a plus,it kept me learning.
20. The Flipped class is the best part. I absolutley agree with the flipped class method because it actually makes me learn a few things or two outside of class. There is definitely no weak points about this and it it should be used in every class.
21. I thought the Flipped Class was a plus because it help me to be a better reader and writer.
22. helps me a lot.  keep it

Innovation and Novelty as Benefits of Flipped Class

A good number of students (35/292, 12%) like that the flipped classroom is new, innovative, and different, and they see that as a distinct advantage.

1. It was unique and different
2. Keep it! The purpose of school is to learn and advance not stay the same. The majority of students who complained are lazy it sounds mean but it is true. Keep pushing us to advance and become better students.
3. It allow students to see learning a whole new way.
4. It was a fresh breath of air
5. I really enjoyed the environment of the flipped classroom. This was new to everyone! At first, I was nervous, because it was a brand new way of learning presented to me. I'm still used to 19th century teaching styles, but in my opinion, I would much rather work in a flipped classroom for English Composition.
6. I think you are bringing a creative way of teaching. This method could help students who are not strong learners during class time. It may work for someone who likes to be home where its quiet, no distraction. Weak point, it depends on the student and what works for them. I enjoyed flip class.
7. Different, but I kind of like it. Beats [having] to pre-write everything of your essay. Or having to carry your own laptop everywhere you go.
8. Different techniques are useful. I am not too knowledgeable of the flipped class but to what was explained it sounds like a good interaction activity and a test to see who is really becoming familiar with the material in class, this assignment will challenge others to stay on top of their class duties.
9. The flipped class was different for me. But I think it helped with my busy schedule.
10. flipped classroom for me is a way to learn different thing which I liked
11. I loved the flipped classroom it gave me a new and better experience.
12. different way to the approach of a classroom. My report on a flipped class was very informative.
13. Offering a flipped class to your college students brings about a way for your students to engage through a different aspect of learning new material for reading and writing.
14. This concept is entirely new to me. I can't give an opinion one way or another of its strength or weakness.
15. Flipped classes were new to me but I liked the way they worked. They allow some flexibility for students.
16. This is helpful because I never would have known what a flipped class was. It is a experience that is need.
17. Yes the flipped classroom was the most innovating method I have ever seen. For any reason if we couldn't make it at class, we still could catch up through computer with the whole class from home. The best thing ever....
18. almost the best part of the class, this is my first time experiencing the flip class and I fell in love with it. gave class time more of a discussion then learning session

An innovative class is beneficial for maintaining student interest.

1. I think it was a new experience and something good to keep the students interested .
2. I liked seeing the other side so it was new for me in a good way and interesting as well/
3. it is engaging, entertaining, and interesting. Everything was strong, in that this concept made every area of this class better and different. It was a refreshing way to learn. 
4. The flipped class was one of the most interesting things I have seen this term. I think the concept is great. The only negative is sometimes there is so much content at once. Lectures, assignments, blog posting, etc.
5. Having a flipped class was very different, I found it quite interesting. At first I was unsure, then I began to enjoy the way the writing techniques was being taught.
6. I never experienced a class like this it was quite the learning experience, it was interesting navigating my way through the internet.
7. This flipped class is different from any other English class. And its very interesting.

For some students, the innovative class challenges students to do more and to do it differently.

1. I like the flipped class it was fresh breather as to normal classes. A change in pace is nice. It made us step out of the box and that part I really liked. 
2. Flipped class is very unconventional, and it was an enjoyment because we go through our school days with regular class which are not flipped, so the flipped class is like a new thinking process.
3. The flipped class method is great. It is refreshing and new. Students expect to get the same old, same old from every teacher. Having a flipped class opens their eyes and allows them to open their minds and see that not every teacher is the same. There will always be one great professor that does the opposite, which is a blessing to me.
4. Sometimes students need to think outside the box. So I say keep it.

The flipped classroom can actually be fun for some students, and that's a nice change, especially for one who teaches courses that everyone is required to take and few want to take.

1. I liked working on the computer a lot. It is also environmental friendly since we are not wasting paper and doing all of our work online. It also made learning fun for me because I was doing something new.
2. I like the idea of it and how it is something different, something new, and creative. It made learning fun for a change.
3. this class was new and interesting and fun because of everything on the computer as I said before I loved everything but the blog posts.

I do not want to suggest that instructors should flip their classes for the novelty of doing so; still, we shouldn't ignore or be oblivious to the benefits of novelty and innovation for our students. To quote one of them: "It was a fresh breath of air." What's wrong with that?

Simply Preferring the Flipped Class

In some ways, I think I should talk about this group of student responses last. These students are willing to speak well of the flipped class, but they don't give many specifics. However, I'm covering the groups in order of the number of responses, and this is the third largest group of kudos for the flipped class (36/292, 12.3%).

While these students may not be clear about why they like the flipped class, they are clear about how they compare the flipped class to the traditional class, and the flipped class wins—at least for them. Many of them want their other classes to flip, and that speaks well of an instructional technique that most of them have never experienced before.

1. It was strong because anything that can help people with the way they write it's awesome and most students in [this] University need that and i think you should keep it for next term.
2. I think i would keep it. Because it is terrific, very convenient and helpful. I love it. I wish all teachers in this institution should Flipped their classes.
3. To me, it's very good, i suggest that all english teachers to apply this method of teaching. It was amazing.
4. I will keep it the way it is. I like the way you teach and your techniques. You don't have to change anything. This is one of the best class I had. Thank You very much!!!!
5. it is a good technique to keep because it would be a lot better if we all can use it in a higher level of education.
6. This was my first time being in a flipped classroom.  I enjoyed this method very much, and prefer teaching to be this way!  In other classes, when teachers are standing up there lecturing the whole time I tend to daydream.  I lose focus very easily.  With the flipped classroom, we are constantly on computers.  Technology is everything now-a-days.  When I would get done with my work for this class I could move on to any other work for other classes.  The flipped class allowed us to work independently, which I loved.
7. I prefer the flipped Class versus conventional - don't change Professor Hamon
8. I really enjoyed the environment of the flipped classroom. This was new to everyone! At first, I was nervous, because it was a brand new way of learning presented to me. I'm still used to 19th century teaching styles, but in my opinion, I would much rather work in a flipped classroom for English Composition.

Some students indicated an ease and comfort with the flipped class.

1. I understood it
2. it works good for us.
3. It is better ,because we had such a small class. 
4. Strong thing about the flipped class: Great method. Weak: NOTHING.
5. the flipped work out for me well.
6. Not sure about this one, but most things worked well for me in this class, so keep. :)

A few hinted at benefits to themselves.

1. I felt less pressure with the flipped class, learning both in the classroom as well as outside the classroom broaden my thinking ability when it came to writing. 
2. IT WAS GOOD AND DYNAMIC

Most of this group, however, took the easy way out and just liked it. I'm pleased about that, but I'm not sure why. I thought I had taught them that good writing depends upon specific details. I see that I will have to do better next term.

1. I like the flipped class 
2. I loved the ideas of a flipped class the only thing I would like to see changed is the need to drive to the school to take the class.  This could have easily been an online course
3. I loved it all!  Do not change a thing!
4. Awesome!!
5. keep it
6. I really liked this style
7. ok
8. I've spoken enough in previous classes about the flipped classroom. Change nothing.
9. Just keep it the way that it is.
10. i like it
11. The flip was good
12. it was really good.
13. Everything is okay about flipped class. No weak spot about flipped class.
14. This class  is the best EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
15. This is my first flipped class that i have ever took, and i love it. At first i was a little confused because i wasn't aware this was a flipped classroom but after starting to get used to it i love it and think its an awesome idea.
16. Love your style of teaching!! Thats why i just changed to taking Eng lll with you today!
17. I like the flipp class
18. One word.... OUTSTANDING!
19. Keep it as is.
20. Although it was difficult for some, I think the flipped class was a good choice. I do not have any suggestions as to improve them.