The Flipped Classroom and Online Lectures

I'm finally reaching the point that most people begin with: online lectures. A small percentage of my students (13/292, 4.5%) mentioned online lectures.

First, students like online videos because they can watch them repeatedly until they understand the point. This was the most often mentioned benefit of online lectures.

1. I liked that our lectures were on youtube so we could rewind and listen to them over if we needed to.
2. I like the online lectures. I gives you the ability to re-wind if you missed something.
3. Keep flip because it was we can always refer back to something through your videos even if you're not in class.
4. I like the lecture being on line because you can listen to it more than one time if need be I like the way it was applied in the classroom it wasn't boring and it kept you on your toes.
5. I loved the flipped classroom keep it. If I didn't understand something all I had to do was look you up on youtube, in a traditional class setting if I didn't get something I would be lost forever.

Some noted secondary benefits such as better note-taking, though I suspect this may be related to being able to rewind and watch again.

1. I liked the online videos. Since I'm not a strong note taker, this helped me take really good notes.

Then, they appreciated that the lectures could be explained in class if they were not clear and that the lecture would be applied in class.

1. I enjoy watching the lectures online and if I have a question we go over the lectures on class. 
2. I may seem repetitive, but i have to continue to say that it is something that i cannot believe i have not seen before.  This form of teaching is absolutely genius.  I have no problem with receiving a lecture on my own and having to then apply what was discussed in the lecture inside the classroom with the teacher.  It allows the teacher to help me if i run into any kind of trouble.  This method is great and it works.

They liked that the online lectures were short, much shorter than typical classroom lectures. This chunking seemed to make the material easier to process.

1. This was the first time I've ever had a teacher use this structure. I found it great. The videos were short which made them easier to remember. Additionally I was able to do much of my work in class, which gave me more time to study for other more difficult classes. This was great.
2. The combination works perfectly for me. I enjoy doing work online but I definitely like face to face interaction with a professor. 
3. I loved the lecture videos and I enjoy having the class to write my paper and do research. I realized that the learning and information you provided in videos and a little in class were enough to help in my paper.

Students appreciate watching the lectures on their own time, a point about the flexibility of scheduling and work flow that we have already noted.

1. flipped class is great, it works well for me because i can do it at  my pace, and videos along with information are provided for me to watch/read on my own time. not feeling pressured by doing everything quickly as the days progress in class.
2. I think you should keep flipped classrooms cause it is more easy going and it is not that much work as a regular classroom. it is actually better cause you can do all your work and projects in the class and get the help you need by the teacher rather then doing it at home. the other thing i like is that you do all your lectures at home rather then in the classroom. its way better.

Student Connections in the Flipped Class

I must say that I did not expect to learn that my students appreciated the connections to their fellow students in the more open classroom spaces afforded by a flipped class, though I'm not sure why I didn't. I suppose I just didn't think about it, but some of my students like connecting to their fellows enough to mention it as a benefit (14/292, 4.8%). As I read their comments, I have to think that this benefit is tied first to the opened space in a flipped classroom, a consequence that I've noted before: moving the lectures to the Net opens up the classroom for more activity and interactivity that proves beneficial to students in a number of ways. In particular, the heightened interactivity allows for the development of personal learning networks (PLNs), which is another big focus of my classes. I use lots of collaborative, peer groups in my classes, and I find ways to connect students over the Net. I can help students build successful PLNs in part because they have time in class to seed and cultivate. My students learn in class the value of peer reviews and peer editing. It improves their grades, and they like that.

1. I liked the flipped class it was easy to work on papers and get my peers advice on how to write my paper during class.
2. Our class was very small, so it was nice to have the other students to interact with too. I was able to meet and hear the comments of others that were not in my class without prejudice.
3. The flipped class allows for more learning with the professor compared to others. It allows us to accomplish more work and feel more connected to everyone. 
4. I think that the flipped class is very good. It lets you interact with other people that you don't know and share certain things with them. and have them comment on what's going on in your life that you blogged about.
5. We didn't use it this term, but when we did, it was helpful to have more input from different students, not just those in class=))
6. Keep this thing going on. It breaks the socially awkward barrier people build up so they can become more comfortable in their work environment. PLNs should be shared among your peers!
7. i liked the flipped classroom because it gave me more one on one help from my peers and instructor.
8. I like the class participation and conversation that took part during the class. We all shared ideas and bounced things off each other. I don't like to go home and write. It is hard to just say, "ok, I'm gonna do that Eng. assignment now". In reality,that rarely happens. It got my creative juices flowing.
9. I personally liked the flipped class because it gave us a chance to interact with our peers in class and do the lectures at home.
10. I loved the lecture videos and I enjoy having the class to write my paper and do research. I realized that the learning and information you provided in videos and a little in class were enough to help in my paper.
11. very strong, assignments were done in class and helped us seek help between classmate work as team members with the teacher being present and available for help
12. As students at university, we have to socialize to the world, this is what Google plus does. Connection with every other people being in your circle. We can share ideas, opinions everything via Google plus. It was awesome to use Google plus, I'd like to keep using it.
13. Give you the opportunity to come prepared to your class, Even if you want to research about the theme before you get to the classroom flipped class give you the opportunity. That way the class can be more fun and the students can share knowledges.
14. I found the entire flipped class to be highly effective. As I have previously mentioned it is a great way to learn from others.

Some, however, did not like the student-to-student collaboration. Especially early on, I had logistical problems with implementing some groups, and a few students believed that the groups did not work for them. And of course, some students simply work better alone, though most seem to benefit enough from group work to value it.

1. In a flipped classroom Its kind of hard to do group work but Its worth it. But please make sure when you select a group for students make sure that their comfortable and not just one person doing the work.
2. I liked the flipped class, because it allowed to have more time doing my homework or work.  I like doing things in class.  The one thing I did not like were the groups we were put in.  I feel you would get more production from individuals doing their own work.

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.

In-Class Benefits of the Flipped Composition Class

In my last post, I claimed that students were most enthusiastic about the ways in which a flipped composition class helped them manage their work flows. They liked the heightened sense of control that they had over accessing and handling course content, course assignments, and coursework. But I think I made a mistake. I've looked more closely at the responses, and I think I unreasonably distinguished student enthusiasm for the ways in which a flipped composition class enhanced their in-class experience and enhanced the student-teacher relationship. As I look over the comments, I think now these two should be seen as aspects of the same benefit: students like the way the flipped composition class changes the in-class experience, which includes the ways that they relate to each other, to the course content, and to the instructor. This, I think, is the number one benefit that my students have noted (77/292, 26.4%). Let's see if I can unpack their thinking.

The active classroom: Many faculty seem to think that the main part of flipping a class is moving lectures online, but I have not found this to be the case. For me, the main part is making my class more active. If I move the lecture/demonstration out of the class and onto the Net—which is really a rather trivial task technologically—then my class is left with this gaping hole in the classroom that we have to fill, and of course, as the instructor, I'm supposed to do most of the filling. I must work hardest at replacing in-class lectures and demonstrations with activities that synchronize with and support those now online lectures and demonstrations. In some respects, this is rather easy with a writing class—we simply do much of our writing in class on our computers and we use peer reviews—but from time-to-time, we need to reinforce some specific issue that the students did not master with the online lectures. I have to find interesting, engaging, active ways to do that. I don't always succeed, but I must succeed well enough that I've caught my students' attention. They have this to say about an active classroom:

1. I liked the flipped class as you call it. It helped a lot on understanding the exercises we needed to do on documents and lectures that were presented. It was more visual to see it presented by groups in class and everyone had a chance to show their point of view the way they processed the learning. Just doing group on documentation did not make sense to me though. Individualism works better on doing documents during class time for me but groups as a class works really well. We all have many different ideas. 
2. It kept me not worrying about having to do too much work outside of the classroom and concentrated on what really mattered
3. Keep the flipped class, but we [have] to work more in the classroom.
4. 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.
5. I love the flipped classroom it's very interesting. You do all the work at home and when you come back to class bring all the questions you need answered.
6. Everything was good about the flipped classroom. It gave me ample time to work on my papers and ask questions when I had to

A learning-centered classroom: An active classroom appears to have many educational benefits. Student writers appear to benefit from working on their documents and with the course content in the company of colleagues and instructors. Especially after I moved my flipped classes to a computer lab, my students benefitted from having most all necessary resources close to hand.

1. The flipped class allowed us more time to understand what we were doing in class. It worked out great for me and helped me understand what I needed to write and how to improve my writing. 
2. We applied what we did on the net and incorporated into the class to discuss it. Very new, I think you should stress more and possible get the university to look into having flipped classes.
3. How we could learn and read things at home, and anything we needed helped with or was confused about, we could just come the next class and ask. Having the flipped classroom help students to do work at home, so they won't be lost the next class.
4. Keep them i think we learn more when we do more hands on lectures [hands on lectures is a new term for me, but I like it. I may use it soon in a blog post.]
5. 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.
6. The flipped class is good. It enables and ensures that we are prepared for the class and if there are questions , we address them in class.
7. keep the flipped class because it give us more time in class to understand the materials and ask question.
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 [felt] as if i was just home doing homework and I was lost, because most of the core work was done in the classroom
9. It was GREAT!! If I was home and didn't understand, I was able to ask the next time we met for class.
10. 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.
11. 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
12. Time management is huge when attending school and any extra time to do work is needed. The flipped class technique gives students a chance to ask questions and receive direct assistance when doing their assignment. Often students find themselves lost at home trying to figure out the topic and staying focused. With the flipped class technique, homework can be done at the best time possible.

Practical learning: An active, flipped classroom is less theoretical and more practical, which many of my students appreciate. Lectures and even demonstrations can be too abstract for many, but when they are working on their own documents to craft a deductive argument, then tips from a colleague or from the instructor can be immediately handy and concrete.

1. It not only allowed for information-based learning, but also practical learning.
2. I liked to be able to do my work in class.  It gets pretty chaotic trying to find time for all your homework is due in a week.
3. the flipped classrooms are great because we intake the new teachings on our level of comfort and then get to come into class and elaborate and question what we don't understand. The only thing i think is a little weak is the interaction between teacher and students. For example, i wish that the subject that was difficult for most of the students be elaborated more for better understanding, compared to grouping the students that are questioning the task at hand and losing interest on what they are suppose to learn. There is nothing wrong with a little more lecturing to students for a better understanding of a new subject compared to student to student interaction.
4. This concreted what you wanted us to learn so I think you should keep it.  

Peer-enabled learning: An active, flipped classroom restructures the relationships among students.

1. I liked the flipped class it was easy to work on papers and get my peers advice on how to write my paper during class.
2. I like the class participation and conversation that took [place] during the class. We all shared ideas and bounced things off each other. I don't like to go home and write. It is hard to just say, "ok, I'm gonna do that Eng. assignment now". In reality,that rarely happens. It got my creative juices flowing.
3. I wish all my classes were like this. I love the fact that we got help in doing our assignments in class. Best class I ever had.
4. i liked the flipped classroom because it gave me more one on one help from my peers and instructor.
5. I personally liked the flipped class because it gave us a chance to interact with our peers in class and do the lectures at home.
6. very strong, assignments were done in class and helped us seek help between classmate work as team members with the teacher being present and available for help
7. I preferred using the flipped class method because it gives you the option of completing assignments on your own schedule, before the due date. You are also able to communicate with your classmates and professors via the web if you have any questions or concerns about an assignment.
8. I think flipped classrooms should stay because it allowed students to keep in contact even when they were not in the classroom. It also allowed them to keep up with the classwork and assignments.
9. Although Professor Hamon was present, available to be of assistance and willing to assist at all times, relating to another student was very beneficial. The video lectures gave us the main points of the lessons and working by way of computer was a great learning tool. The only way that this type of class setting could or would be difficult to the students in the beginning is, if they are not computer literate. However by the end of the course they will be.

Instructor-enabled learning: An active, flipped classroom also restructures the relationship between students and instructor. Students overwhelmingly value the increased interaction between students and instructor, though at least a few were uncomfortable with the outside work, which often asked them to try things that they could not easily do. Students do not like failing at any task, and it took them a long time to develop the faith that I would not penalize them if they could not correctly accomplish some task outside of class. They could not quite grasp a participation grade that rewards effort rather than measures competence. Most, however, saw that they could correct in an upcoming class any issues that they identified in the out-of-class work and that they would learn better after they had identified precisely what they didn't know.

1. The flipped class keeps the class interesting I liked it [a lot].  The idea of being able to work and ask the instructor questions the whole time while in class was great.
2. 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.
3. I liked that we were responsible for doing the reading outside of class, it's too hard to wait for everyone in class, you were expected to show up prepared. I liked that you were here to help while we were writing as well. It was a little discouraging that the assignment due dates changed. For those of us who were always prepared it's discouraging to stress to get the work done on time and not be rewarding, especially when others in the class got a week more than I did without losing any points for being late.
4. I think this is great because often people don't have time to work on their assignments out of class due to different issues. This flipped class strategy give us a chance to finish and do our best on our assignments. We are also able to get extra help from professor Hamon in class when we needed.
5. The flipped class thing worked for me. I was able to do "in class" assignments on my own time. I liked it because instead of being lectured in class, we were able to get assistance on our documents.
6. i like the fact that we can work on assignments during class while the teacher is there
7. I think you should keep flipped classrooms because it is more easy going and it is not that much work as a regular classroom. it is actually better because you can do all your work and projects in the class and get the help you need by the teacher rather than doing it at home. the other thing i like is that you do all your lectures at home rather than in the classroom. its way better.
8. flipped classes is good because we do the work and then we come to class to discuss it . and prof Hamon helps us a lot with our papers.
9. I love the flipped classroom because Mr. Hamon explained everything step by step in class so you know exactly what to do and how to do it from home.
10. If we had any questions on the lectures you helps out, explaining the subject.
11. I enjoy watching the lectures online and if I have a question we go over the lectures on class.
12. The flipped class keeps the class interesting I liked it a lot.  The idea of being able to work and ask the instructor questions the whole time while in class was great.
13. I loved the fact that we watched videos and read outside of class and just discussed in class so we had more time with the professor to clear up anything we were unclear about.
14. Flipped class should be in all classes. It was extremely helpful to do lectures at home and write down questions that I could ask the teacher next class. It also was helpful to have more of the professor's time in class to have more one on one with the students rather than waiting for class to be over or not having time to meet up with them. It was also great for the students that did not have questions it would not hold them up and their work would get done.
15. I think this is great because often people don't have time to work on their assignments out of class due to different issues. This flipped class strategy give us a chance to finish and do our best on our assignments. We are also able to get extra help from professor Hamon in class when we needed.
16. The flipped class allows for more learning with the professor compared to others. It allows us to accomplish more work and feel more connected to everyone. 
17. Flipped classroom is a definitely keep,its actually fun and i don't get slammed when it come to homework. Its a great way of getting work done and if you need help i can always go right to the teacher for help.
18. It let us understand the material before class. Take our time with it e-mail teacher with questions and then come to class to go over any remainder questions. It allowed for more in class teacher time. 
19. I actually prefer a flip course because I have a question about an assignment you are there to answer/ help me.
20. I loved the lectures and assignments being at home.  When you come to class and have questions while you are writing the subject matter expert was right there.  Keep the flipped class.
21. The strong part about flip class was getting the help we need in class right away instead of just didn't understand something at home and had to wait for next class.
22. we can ask questions and do a work at home
23. I may seem repetitive, but i have to continue to say that it is something that i cannot believe i have not seen before.  This form of teaching is absolutely genius.  I have no problem with receiving a lecture on my own and having to then apply what was discussed in the lecture inside the classroom with the teacher.  It allows the teacher to help me if i run into any kind of trouble.  This method is great and it works.
24. When i first started i did not like flipped class but as it went on i learned to enjoy it and realize that i learn more in that type of class setting and it much better professor to student communication
25. I did everything at home and when I came to class I could ask the Professor anything I did [not] understand. I loved the flipped class. I worked well with me and it wasn't so stressful like my other classes. There was nothing weak about the flipped class.
26. The great thing about flipped classroom was that you can get most of the work done at home and don't have to rush in class to do so. When you come to class, everything is done or the majority is done. At least a rough draft. the weak part about it is that the professor isn't there to help you at home like being in class, he's always there when you need him/her.
27. STRONG: because sometime at home you don't find the time to do your work, so the fact that you get the chance to do it in school is awesome, and also the teacher is right around the corner if you need help. everything was helpful.
28. The combination works perfectly for me. I enjoy doing work online but I definitely like face to face interaction with a professor.
29. Being able to work on the writing assignment in class was very helpful.  Having the professor there to ask question or if we needed guidance was a great help.
30. Strong is we get to learn on our own and come back to review with the professor.
31. i like the fact that we can work on assignments during class while the teacher is there
32. Having the class be flipped made us relate to you more, helped us understand how much you're really just trying to help us understand literature and not just forcing it down our throats.

Technology-enabled learning: An active, flipped classroom benefits from having networked computers. I'm not prepared to say that they are absolutely necessary. I believe that one could flip a writing class without technology, but it simply wouldn't be as elegant—at least not the way I teach writing.

1. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. The combination works perfectly for me. I enjoy doing work online but I definitely like face to face interaction with a professor. 
5. 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.

Engaged learning: An active, flipped writing class is a more engaging class, even enjoyable. It provides way more opportunities for students to connect to colleagues, content, and instructors, and as Terry Anderson's 2003 study Getting the Mix Right Again shows, students who connect persist and succeed. Anderson says it better:

Deep and meaningful formal learning is supported as long as one of the three forms of interaction (student–teacher; student-student; student-content) is at a high level. The other two may be offered at minimal levels, or even eliminated, without degrading the educational experience. High levels of more than one of these three modes will likely provide a more satisfying educational experience, though these experiences may not be as cost or time effective as less interactive learning sequences.

My students say it this way:

1. I really really like the idea that you have a flipped class. I also like how you give us the opportunity to work on our assignments in class. This would have been a very boring class if you just talked or lectured the whole class. Thank you for not doing that.
2. It was more interesting, not reading from a book all day and getting lectured from our teacher.
3. It made the class a lot easier. I enjoyed the privilege of doing homework in the classroom.
4. If all my classrooms could be like this, i would absolutely love it. i feel like i learn more this way, [than] sitting in a class listening to a teacher talk for almost two hours. Flipped classroom definitely helps keep me concentrated and motivated to do my work.
5. Big fan of flipped class. It keeps everybody energized and interested.
6. I love the flipped classroom it's very interesting. You do all the work at home and when you come back to class bring all the questions you need answered.
7. The flipped class keeps the class interesting I liked it a lot.  The idea of being able to work and ask the instructor questions the whole time while in class was great.
8. When i first started i did not like flipped class but as it went on i learned to enjoy it and realize that i learn more in that type of class setting and it much better professor to student communication
9. I did everything at home and when I came to class I could ask the Professor anything I did [not] understand. I loved the flipped class. I worked well with me and it wasn't so stressful like my other classes. There was nothing weak about the flipped class.
10. The flipped class worked for me. It was a way for me to read and learn on my own and then come to class and have any issues addressed. Nowadays, the traditional way professors are teaching tends to get monotonous and boring.
11. Flipped classroom is a definitely keep,its actually fun and i don't get slammed when it come to homework. Its a great way of getting work done and if you need help i can always go right to the teacher for help.

Prepared learning: As I've already mentioned in a previous post, a flipped class seems to prepare students for work better than a traditional class.

1. Strong point of the flipped classroom allowed the students to be free and come to class prepared with questions. It also allowed us students to be ready for what the professor had in store.
2. How we could learn and read things at home, and anything we needed helped with or was confused about, we could just come the next class and ask. Having the flipped classroom help students to do work at home, so they won't be lost the next class.
3. It helps have you ready and engaged in discussing the information you already saw at home and bringing it into the classroom. You were never lost before you walked into class, you always knew what was going to be discussed in class.

Flexible learning: A flipped class appears to be more flexible and adaptive to student needs and schedules.

1. Flipped class should be in all classes. It was extremely helpful to do lectures at home and write down questions that I could ask the teacher next class. It also was helpful to have more of the professor's time in class to have more one on one with the students rather than waiting for class to be over or not having time to meet up with them. It was also great for the students that did not have questions it would not hold them up and their work would get done.
2. keep the flipped class because it give us more time in class to understand the materials and ask question.
3. I think this is great because often people don't have time to work on their assignments out of class due to different issues. This flipped class strategy give us a chance to finish and do our best on our assignments. We are also able to get extra help from professor Hamon in class when we needed. 
4. The flipped class thing worked for me. I was able to do "in class" assignments on my own time. I liked it because instead of being lectured in class, we were able to get assistance on our documents. 
5. The flipped class allows for more learning with the professor compared to others. It allows us to accomplish more work and feel more connected to everyone. 
6. Flipped classroom is a definitely keep,its actually fun and i don't get slammed when it come to homework. Its a great way of getting work done and if you need help i can always go right to the teacher for help.

As I hinted earlier, many seem to think that moving their lectures online is the major part flipping their classes. This is wrong. The biggest challenge is rethinking your classroom. Just what will you do with all those students when you quit talking and they start learning?

The Impact of Flipped Classes on Student Workloads

The benefit most mentioned by my students has been about how the flipped class makes their workloads and work processes easier, more manageable, and more controllable. Of 292 responses, 65 (22.3%) indicated some benefit to their workloads. Many students claimed that the flipped class was easier, once they got used to it. I have to tease out what my students mean by easier, as they often write easier or easy without explaining with any detail what they mean by easier ("It helps us understand better, it's easier."). The comments below suggest the many ways that the flipped classroom makes for an easier workload.

First and foremost, students seem to like the flexibility and control of doing the lectures at home when their schedules allow. Indeed, one of the big issues for these students seems to be the sense of empowerment they develop as they assume more control of their time and space. A few students even noted that the flipped class helped them deal with procrastination. To my mind, student empowerment is one of the strongest benefits to come out of the flipped classroom, and it is not something that I anticipated. However, I will seek ways to cultivate student empowerment through the flipped class, now that I know it is possible, even likely. My students have been empowered despite the absence of any intention on my part. I like that, and it builds my faith in the flipped model. As the following comments suggest, owning your own time is very important to students, and the flipped classroom provides this for many students:

• The fact that I was able to do my work on my own time and on my own pace, it made it much easier for me. It was really something interesting... Much worth the experience. Keep it .. everybody else that's going to take this class in the near future deserves to experience this.
• At first I was not in favor of how this class worked but after the second week I found it to be very interesting and unique. This was due to me taking online courses and I could plan my assignments out by knowing when things were due by having the wiki and also by being able to complete assignments such as blogs and writing documents without having to be in the classroom especially when I had to miss class for various reasons. I think the strong point about a flipped class is that it gives you the option to work on class assignments and know what is due without having to attend class. Also if you had to miss class for any reason you could still stay on top of your assignments and not really miss anything done in class that day.
• I work well in school and out of school. I liked that we were able to complete our assignments on our own and not just in the classroom with limited time.
• I thought is was good becuause for all of us busy people we can assess that at home
• The combination is great, it allows a lot more flexibility to get work done for class.
• This is a great idea. My first time with a flipped class. I was a little nervous at first because I was afraid to write in front of people. But, as class went on I found not only did this teach you more but...you had to get the work done.  I learned from others and it took the procrastination out of me.  Keep it this way.
• Different techniques are useful. I am not too knowlegable of the flipped class but to what was expalined it sounds like a good interaction activity and a test to see who is really becoming familliar with the material in class, this assignment will challenge others to stay on top of their classs duties.
• i absolutely love flipped classes because you dont have all the stress of going home and procrastinating with your work wwhich usually leads to forgetting about it... but you still have the assessments and blogs to keep your ming going.
• helps us do our homework, especially is help is needed and not understanding what we had to do. kept the class ahead with our assignments and what we had to do for that next week
• I appreciated being able to manage my own time. When I completed assignments, I was able to excuse myself from the classroom. As I shared with you in the past, I have a hard time concentrating in a noisy environment. The flipped classroom afforded me the freedom to choose my own space for assignments, and I grew to appreciate that.
• The flipped class was different for me. But It hink it helped with my busy schedule. 
• 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
• Time management is huge when attending school and any extra time to do work is needed. The flipped class technique gives students a chance to ask questions and receive direct assistance when doing their assignment. Often students find themselves lost at home trying to figure out the topic and staying focused. With the flipped class technique, homewrok can be done at the best time possible.
• Everything was good about the flipped classroom. It gave me ample time to work on my papers and ask questions when I had to
• The flipped classroom helped me to be proactive.
• Flipped Classroom was absolutely convinient 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. 
• 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.
• In the beginning flip classes were different and a little confusing but once I got the hang of it , it has become a good way of doing my work.
• Fliped classes were new to me but I liked the way they worked. They allow some flexibility for students.
• Flipped classes worked well for me because it was very convient with being a single mother, and helped me alot throughout the semester.
• The strong part about the flip class is it teaches what it is and how it works. Also it can give you a little more time to complete assignments. This gets you ready for online classes if you have never taking one cause it is kind of the same type of class. The weak part is if you have other classes and online classes, it is hard because there are so many deadlines to remember. You can easily miss an asignment. If you have a classes on monday and return on wednsday you kind of know that your assignments are due those days, where in a flip class, you never get a break becaus even thou classes are monday your assgnment maybe due tuesday by midnight along with other class or online asignments. This makes it hard especially if you have evening jobs, kids and outside obligations.
• This was by far my best  class this term.  I was able to work at my own pace and get things done and out of the way.  Also, I learned some very helpful strategies from this class.
• I preferred using the flipped class method because it gives you the option of completing assignments on your own schedule, before the due date. You are also able to communicate with your classmates and professors via the web if you have any questions or concerns about an assignment.
• I think flipped classrooms should stay because it allowed students to keep in contact even when they were not in the classroom. It also allowed them to keep up with the classwork and assignments.
• 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.
• flipped class is great, it works well for me because i can do it at  my pace, and videos along with information are provided for me to watch/read on my own time. not feeling pressured by doing everything quickly as the days progress in class.

My students seem to like learning in their own spaces almost as much as they like learning in their own time. My students like being able to do their work when and where they want, and the flipped classroom provides them more control over their time and space than the traditional class does. I will have to look more closely at why this is so, but for now I accept that it is.

• The easy way to do the class,assesment and papers in my house listening music.
• It is much easier to do your work at home, on your own time without any distractions.
• I love the Flipped class is easy and [convenient] and you learn at the same time while out class sessions,the weak part i did not have any.
• i felt strong about this because its easier to learn at home and then when i come back to class we go over it and it helps me learn even more better. so i have a strong feeling that you should keep the "flipped class".
• At first I didn't like it but now I ike it better because it gave me time to do and understand at home.
• It was confusing in the beginning but I adjusted to it when I knew what was expected of me.  Overall this was a different learning experience but taught me how to keep up with writing.  I enjoyed doing our lessons at home and having more time to ask questions in the classroom.  This worked for me.
• I loved the lectures and assingments being at home.  When you come to class and have questions while you are writing the subject matter expert was right there.  Keep the flipped class.
• Flipped classroom was ok for me because I was able to work on my work at home whenever I needed to as long as I had it completed when you wanted it done.
• we can ask questions and do a work at home
• I did everything at home and when I came to class I could ask the Professor anything I did ot understand. I loved the flipped class. I worked well with me and it wasn't so stressful like my other classes. There was nothing weak about the flipped class.
• The great thing about flipped classroom was that you can get most of the work done at home and dont have to rush in class to do so. When you come to class, everything is done or the majority is done. Atleast a rough draft. the weak part about it is that the professor isnt there to help you at home like being in class, he's always there when you need him/her. 
• Flip class is the best thing you ever created...one of my most favorite about this class.. the reason i say that is because it takes pressure of classmate if they have homework at home to do they wont have to worry about other doing homework for this class.

Those students who value ownership of their time and space also seem to value showing up to class prepared and ready to do the class work. I've read many complaints in the professional literature about how lazy students are and how often they come to class ill-prepared. Perhaps this is the case in traditional classrooms, but the flipped class seems to have some beneficial impact on student preparation. Again, this is something that I will have to study more closely in the future to see if I can tease out just why the flipped class has this effect, but for the moment, I'm satisfied that it does.

• I liked the flipped class. It was nice to complete the assignemnts and go into class and talk about what we read on our own. Again, in the begining it was a littl confussing. But, once you catch on, it is a good idea.
• I would keep the flipped classroom the same. I didn't find anything strong or weak it just made life a little easier because you knew what to expect once you arrived to class.
• I wish that I had this flipped class before I took the first class ever online. My first online class experience was horrible but in this class it was easier for me to manage my work load in the class. I really do not even know why we even needed the textbook. The professor covered everything we needed to know and then some.
• i felt strong about this because its easier to learn at home and then when i come back to class we go over it and it helps me learn even more better. so i have a strong feeling that you should keep the "flipped class".
• I liked that we were responsible for doing the reading outside of class, it's too hard to wait for everyone in class, you were expected to show up prepared. I liked that you were here to help while we were writing as well. It was a little discouraging that the assignment due dates changed. For those of us who were always prepared it's discouraging to stress to get the work done on time and not be rewarding, especially when others in the class got a week more than I did without loosing any points for being late.
• the flipped classrooms are great because we intake the new teachings on our level of comfort and then get to come into class and elaborate and question what we dont understand. The only thing i think is a little weak is the interaction between teacher and students. For example, i wish that the subject that was difficult for most of the students be elaborated more for better understandment , compared to grouping the students that are questioning the task at hand and losing interest on what they are suppose to learn. There is nothing wrong with a little more lecturing to students for a better understandment of a new subject compared to student to student interaction. 
• Flipped class should be in all classes. It was extremely helpful to do lectures at home and write down questions that I could ask the teacher next class. It also was helpful to have more of the profesors time in class to have more one on one with the students rather then waiting for class to be over or not having time to meet up with them. It was also great for the students that did not have questions it would not hold them up and their work would get done.
• It let us understand the material before class. Take our tim ewith it e-mail teacher with questions and then come to class to go over any remainder questions. It allowed for more in class teacher time. 
• flipped classes is good because we do the work and then we come to class to discuss it . and prof hamon helps us alot with our papers.

Some students appreciate the ease and benefit of doing much of their work in the classroom, especially where they can get help from colleagues and instructor. They like doing the homework in the classroom, and in my writing classes, homework consists mostly of writing blog posts, annotated bibliographies, and formal papers, and evaluating writing.

• It made the class a lot easier. I enjoyed the privilege of doing homework in the classroom.
• We accomplished more work in class without a lecture.
• It was easier getting work done in class instead of outside of class
• This was the first time I've ever had a teacher use this structure. I found it great. The videos were short which made them easier to remember. Additionally I was able to do much of my work in class, which gave me more time to study for other more difficult classes. This was great. 
• STRONG: because sometime at home you dont find the time to do your work, so the fact that you get the chance to do it in school is awesome, and also the teacher is right around the corner if you need help. everything was helpful.
• Being able to work on the writing assignment in class was very helpful.  Having the professor there to ask question or if we needed guidance was a great help.
• Although Professor Hamon was present, available to be of assistance and willing to assist at all times, relating to another student was very beneficial. The video lectures gave us the main points of the lessons and working by way of computer was a great learning tool. The only way that this type of class setting could or would be difficult to the students in the beginning is, if they are not computer literate. However by the end of the course they will be.

For some students, the flipped class eased the workload outside of class:

• It kept me not worrying about having to do too much work out side of the classroom and concentrated on what really mattered
• I liked the flipped class, because it allowed to have more time doing my homework or work.  I like doing things in class. 
• I think that the flipped class is one of the best classes that I have ever taken.  All the work is done in the class and there is very little work that has to be done out of class.  Just some reading and maybe the assessments.

For some, the flipped class eased the workload both in and outside of class:

• Worked good for this class, but wasnt something that needed a serious amount of effort so it wasnt overwhelming trying to figure something out.
• This flip class worked great for me because i never have a big homework project to do besides papers that way i can focus on my other classes and also get what i need done for english..

Finally, some students attributed the ease of the flipped classroom to our extensive use of technology. They seem to find enhanced productivity in using computers and networks, which I find encouraging. It's about time that computers started easing our workloads instead of increasing them.

• i liked the flipped class.  not so much as i didnt 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
• I can't really say anything didn't work for me in regards to the flipped class. It actually made everything easier for me whether it was correcting essays or just learning the material. Its more organized, enjoyable, and modern than other classes. We actually benefited from the technology that is all around us and I'm grateful we used tech to its full potential.
• 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 intune with technology and this made me feel like I was.

As I consider the comments my students have made, I'm impressed that they picked up most on the benefits to their own student workloads and processes. I did not anticipate this effect, but I'm gratified to find so much evidence for it. Of course, it suggests more research for me. I need to figure out why the flipped class has this benefit for students, and then I need to figure out how to enhance it. If I could get this much benefit for students without even trying, then perhaps I can get more with just a bit of effort. Maybe?

Positives about the Flipped Class

I've devoted the past few posts to covering the issues that a minority of students have had with my flipped classes. By far, however, most of my students (250/292, 85.6%) have advised me to keep the flipped classroom as it is. If I could identify these students, I might think that they were merely trying to impress me to improve their grade; however, my assessments are anonymous, so I have some faith that  my students are providing an honest assessment of their experience with the flipped composition class.

I have grouped their responses into the following categories:

• In-class benefits (77/292, 26.4%)
• Workload benefits (65/292, 22.3%)
• Prefer flipped class (36/292, 12.3%)
• Flipped class is innovative (34/292, 11.6%)
• Scaffolding issues (28/292, 9.6%)
• Technology benefits (24/292, 8.2%)
• Learning benefits (21/292, 7.2%)
• Workload issues (16/292, 6.9%)
• Benefits in connections to peers (16/292 6.9%)
• Like the online lectures (14/292, 4.8%)
• Student centered (11/292, 3.8%)
• The flip classroom is enjoyable (11/292, 3.8%)

I will explore these benefits of the flipped classroom over the next few blog posts.

Flipped Class and Just-in-Time Teaching Assessments

A handful of my students (3 of 216, 1.4%) voiced issues about the weekly assessments that I use in my flipped class to support the assigned online lectures and readings. During the term, I send an assessment created in Google Forms that helps me measure the students' understanding of the assigned work for that week. The assessment is done the weekend prior to our use of the material in class, so I get an early sense of which students and how many students are prepared and, more importantly, which material and concepts students are struggling with. This allows me to adjust the in-class work to focus on the problematic material. Some students, though, had problems with the assessment form, such as which questions matched which activities (Change 9, 13, Drop 7) (3 of 27, 11.1%).

I've grouped these 3 complaints separately, but I think they really belong to the first group of complaints: coordinating the remote with the local. Students were having issues remembering to do the work out of class ahead of time to support what we would do in class the following week. I can see why. After all, students have been trained for more than twelve years to do just the opposite: do the work out of class after learning about it in class. I had to develop a more consistent schedule for delivering the assessments to students so that they could develop their own routines for completing them.

Also, the students did not always see the connections between the assigned readings and online lectures and the questions on the assessments. I addressed this confusion by including the name of the assigned work in the question. Sometimes, I even added a link to the assigned work for immediate access. I think this was simply a learning point for me. My students had to teach me to write better questions.

I'm grouping the final three complaints into one catch-all category. Two students (Change 1 & 6, 2 of 27, 7.4%, & 2 of 216, 0.93%) complained that the out-of-class work interfered with their work schedules. One student (Change 16) complained that the out-of-class work required too much effort, and one student (Drop 1) complained "I am more of a visual learning so flipped class didn't really help me much." I am confused by this last complaint. I am also somewhat mystified that only 1 student complained about the workload. Perhaps the work is not as labor intensive as I believe. I don't think I will up the ante, however.

So next, I'll consider the things about the flipped class that my students like.

The Flipped Class and Computers

Computer issues, such as holding class in a computer lab, using Google Drive, or computers as a distraction in class were the fourth largest class of complaints about the flipped class (5 of 27, 18.5%, 5 of 216, 2.3%). (Change 7, 8, 14, 20, 22). None of the students who mentioned an issue with computers suggested that I drop the flipped method.

Curiously enough, this category includes both recommendations that my classes be held in a computer lab and one complaint that the computers are a distraction to the class. One student wrote: "maybe you should start teaching class in a computer lab. that way if we have a problem with something it can be solved right then and there. also this would allow us to do more work in class, simply because everyone would be on the same page." That seemed a really good idea to me, so I arranged for my subsequent classes to be held in a computer lab, only to have another student write: "maybe having a class in the lab it was not that helpful after all...It distracts students too much!" I confess that classroom management shifts when students are faced with a screen that is just two clicks away from Facebook, but neither I nor most of my students see this as a significant drawback.

Note, too, that very few students had any complaint about the use of computers or access to computers, especially after I switched the class to a computer lab. Almost all students were able to access the outside, online work, and most seemed satisfied with completing their writing in class, online, especially with me there to help them.

Personal and Scaffolding Issues with Flipped Classes

The second major issue my students had with the flipped composition class was personal dislike. I received comments such as "It didn't work for me" and "I didn't really get it" with no elaboration. Of the 27 students who reacted negatively to the flipped class, 9 (33%, 9 of 216, 4.2%) simply disliked the flipped class, and 7 of those 9 students recommended that I stop doing flipped classes altogether. This was, by far, the largest group to recommend dropping the flipped class technique.

The third major complaint had to do with scaffolding issues. Seven of 27 students (25.9%) (7 of 216, 3.2%) expressed some discomfort with their lack of preparation for the flipped class. Unlike the above group, 6 of these 7 students wanted to modify the flipped class rather than drop it. In other words, the students eventually bought into the concept, but they wanted more scaffolding in the class to prepare them.

One student captured this attitude well when they said, "I would emphasize at the beginning of the term that you are not expected to fully understand what is going on and that we will discuss it during the next class. I know that you said not to worry about it when we had questions or concerns in the beginning but I don't think it was stressed enough. After week two you know what to expect and you get it that you will be reading and doing things that you will have questions or reservations about but when you get into class you do make it clear."

From the beginning term, I had listed the flipped class as one of the primary educational strategies in my composition classes, but I did not discuss this very well, especially in my first term. I made the unfortunate assumption that my students would understand what I meant by

Composition I/II/III is a flipped class, which means the content is delivered outside of class through online lectures and readings and the writing is done in class. Weekly online quizzes guide preparation for class.

This seemed obvious to me. It clearly was not obvious to many of my students. By the second and third terms, I was incorporating outside videos and readings about the flipped classroom early in the course. By the second year of flipping my classes, I was asking students to write about the flipped class in their class blogs and class documents, which I believe has the most effect on improving their attitudes about the flipped classroom.

I made another big change by scheduling all my composition classes in computer labs so that I could guide students through the activities that the course would expect them to perform outside of class on their own. Even though most of the outside, online activities are no more difficult than setting up a Facebook account, students are very anxious about performing well for a teacher and not appearing dumb. Going through each activity in class, in groups, with no penalty for failure eased their minds tremendously.

Then, I began incorporating smartphones more and more into the class, showing students how to download the various computer apps that we use in class onto their smartphones. This gave the students much greater confidence that they could always find a way to their online work to complete it. By the end of the last term (April, 2013), many of my students were doing their blogs, their weekly assessments, and even some of their formal documents on their smartphones. Although I have a non-traditional student population, the combination of personal computers, tablets, and smartphones means that almost all of my students have relatively easy access to their work when off-campus.

Finally, I changed the way I graded their outside, online work. Most of the activities received a participation grade. In other words, they didn't have to perform a task correctly—they just had to try. Simply attempting the online weekly assessment earned the student a 100 mark toward a score that amounted to 10% of their grade (a full letter grade). Of the more than 200 students this past year, less than a handful did not master the outside, online work.

Coordinating the Remote with the Local

I'm grouping my students' complaints about the flipped classroom into the following issues, listed in order of frequency:

1. balance and coordination issues, such as changing the mix of online viewings, readings, and assessments with class activities and explanations, justifying having in-class sessions. (Change 2, 4, 10, 12, 13, 15, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, Drop 9) (13 of 27, 48.2%)
2. personal issues, just didn't like it. (Change 11, 16, Drop 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) (9 of 27, 33.3%)
3. scaffolding issues, such as lack of explanation of and preparation for flipped technique. (Change 3, 5, 14, 19, 21, 22, Drop 10) (7 of 27, 25.9%)
4. computer issues, such as holding class in a computer lab, using Google Drive, computers distracting. (Change 7, 8, 14, 20, 22) (5 of 27, 18.5%)
5. assessment form issues, such as which questions matched which activities. (Change 9, 13, Drop 7) (3 of 27, 11.1%)
6. logistical issues, such as conflicts with work schedules. (Change 1, 6) (2 of 27, 7.4%)
7. effort issues, too much work. (Change 16) (1 of 27, 3.7%)
8. learning style issues. (Drop 1) (1 of 27, 3.7%)

The biggest issue (13 of 27, 48.2% & 13 of 216, 6.0%) that my students appear to have with the flipped classroom is the lack of balance and coordination between the in-class activities (the local practice of content) and the online, outside readings and lectures (the remote delivery of content). I think this confusion results from two distinct causes:

1. my students unfamiliarity with the flipped classroom technique, demands, and rhythms, and
2. my own failure to emphasize and to make explicit the connections between the online, outside work and the in-class work.

I think my failure is the most grievous, mainly because I can't correct my students' lack of experience with the flipped classroom. By a show of hands, I've learned that almost none of my students have ever heard of the flipped classroom, much less have engaged one. I suspect that this will be much the case for the next few years, perhaps forever, if the flipped class isn't more widely adopted.

I can, however, change how well I build the connections between the work done outside of class with the work done inside class. I attribute my early failures at this clear articulation as evidence of my own lack of experience with the flipped class. I forgot that what was clear in my mind is seldom clear in my students' minds. For instance, if the preparatory online lectures and outside readings are focussed on developing a strong thesis statement in academic documents, then I must use every opportunity in class to emphasize and echo the thesis meme. Most students do not necessarily make the connection between the concepts the cover outside of class with the work that they do inside class.

One of the first changes I made was to incorporate the weekly assessment into the class discussion. I display the assessment on the screen, along with the charts and graphs that Google generates, and we discuss their answers. I try to draw the implications for the work that we will do in class.



I also ask the students to write blog posts about the topic of the week, which gives them a chance to use writing as a tool for learning, a key instructional and pedagogical strategy in my classes.

The clear articulation between the remote instruction and local practice is not a finished process. Rather, it is something that I must work hard at every week, and there are always weeks when I lapse. I must continue to develop new strategies that help my students (and me) clarify the connections between outside and inside the class. There should be a true circular causality here, a feedback loop, by which the outside content informs and modifies inside practice which feeds back to inform and enrich the outside content. This loop is short-circuited when students don't see the connections between what happens outside and inside the class.

Problems with the Flipped Class

The first thing to notice about the student responses is that of the 216 student responses, 82.9% of students (179) said that they wanted to keep the flipped classroom as it was, as Chart 1 shows. In other words, better than 4 out of 5 students like the flipped classroom and believe that it helped them succeed in the class.

Chart 1: Distribution of percentage of responses about flipped classroom.

Responses
Keep	179
Change	27
Drop	10
TOTALS	216

Chart 2: Distribution of responses about flipped classroom

Negatives by Term
12 Win	13
12 Spr	5
12 Sum	9
12 Fall	10
13 Win	0
TOTALS	37

Chart 3: Distribution of negative responses by term

As you can see in Chart 3, of the 37 students who wanted to change or drop the flipped class technique, 13 (35.1%) were enrolled  in the 2012 Winter quarter, the first quarter that I used a flipped class. This means that 13 out of 62 total students for that term (21%) were in some way unhappy with the flipped class. This was the highest percentage of negatives for time period monitored, and it suggests that I did not manage my flip very well the first time that I tried it.

I think the students told me where I failed, and they made some excellent suggestions for correcting my mistakes. I'm listing all of the comments from the 37 students who said they would change or drop the flipped classroom method. I will try to make sense of these comments in my next post.

Change the flipped classroom. How would you change the flipped classroom?

1. 01/12 ENG0099 MW 12:30 The only problem I had is I work a lot on the weekends so it was kinda hard from to do the homework on the weekend.
2. 01/12 ENG1001 MW 8:30 Just balance out the time spent online with the time spent reading the textbook and class activities
3. 01/12 ENG1001 MW 8:30 I would emphasize at the beginning of the term that you are not expected to fully understand what is going on and that we will discuss it during the next class.  I know that you said not to worry about it when we had questions or concerns in the beginning but I don't think it was stressed enough.  After week two you know what to expect and you get it that you will be reading and doing things that you will have questions or reservations about but when you get into class you do make it clear.
4. 01/12 ENG1001 MW 8:30 I would have exercises in class more and have them review with the videos a bit. It was great as is, but i found that the exercises towards the end were really helpful and more or less helped review things that we older students look over. The maps for example, were great for preparation of a paper. Overall, it was great but more class exercises in the beginning. The most basic tools are the easiest to look over.
5. 01/12 ENG1001 MW 8:30 I don't want to say drop the flipped class just explain it better. It is hard to enter a classroom after 20 years of not being in school and have that introduced to you. I think once again it is going outside my comfort zone and opening up to new experiences and technologies. The flipped classroom also made me feel that I wasn't getting everything done properly, I would get so busy with my other classes studying and doing papers that I would forget to watch the video until Friday or Saturday and it just made me fell like something was never finished. I watched a lot of videos online about the flipped classroom and understand the concept it was just new to me and most of the class.
6. 01/12 ENG1001 MW 12:30 The only problem I had is I work a lot on the weekends so it was kinda hard from to do the homework on the weekend.
7. 01/12 MW 7:50 maybe you should start teaching class in a computer lab. that way if we have a problem with something it can be solved right then and there. also this would allow us to do more work in class, simply because everyone would be on the same page.
8. 01/12 MW 7:50 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 class room with computers just so we wouldnt have to seperate from the class and you be in another room , not being able to walk us through right then and there.. alot of people are more of a hands on textile learner. to me would seem much easier and more comfortable learning experience with the computer lab. 
9. 01/12 MW 7:50 I WOULD MAKE IT MORE EASIER TO UNDERSTAND BECAUSE WE HAD OUR WEEKLY ASSESSMENTS BUT IT ALSO STATED WE NEEDED TO READ AN ARTICLE BUT I NEVER UNDERSTOOD IF THE ARTICLES APPLIED TO WHICH QUESTION, IT WAS CONFUSING AT TIMES. 
10. 01/12 ENG1001 MW 7:50 I understood more outside the classroom with the help of the videos, perhaps more explanation in the classroom would help
11. 01/12 ENG1001 MW 7:50 I don't know it was ok but not so much for me.
12. 04/12 ENG1001 MW 6:00 More discussion in class would have been better.
13. 04/12 ENG2001 MW 7:50 I feel like more emphasis on the book and assignments in class based on the book would be helpful in learning the writing techniques. I sometimes felt confused about the lessons. 
14. 04/12 ENG2001 MW 7:50 Needed more guidance on how the flipped class works and really should have a option not everyone is computer literature beyond checking their accounts on Face book. I was kind of clueless on writing papers on the computer.
15. 07/12 ENG1002 MW 8:30 I am not a big fan of the flipped classroom. I wish we did more reading in class and a bit more explaning in class. Sometimes we come to class just to write and sometimes a feel a bit lost. Sometimes I might read something at home, but dont really understand. I just rather more in class reading.
16. 07/12 ENG1002 MW 8:30 to much work i didnt like them
17. 07/12 ENG2001 MW 10:30 I wasnt really interseted into the flipeed class I think that it shold be on a topic that we all want to talk about.
18. 07/12 ENG2001 MW 10:30 I would keep the flip class, but require a set number of outside resorces to be posted through google plus and writing or discussing three of the subjects in the class room, hence cutting back on the blog.
19. 07/12 ENG2001 MW 10:30 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 inforned and can go on learning with a finish hand on computing.
20. 07/12 ENG2001 TR 6:00 "There was not enough working in class for me, just limited to questions online and not exercising in groups... maybe having a class in the lab it was not that helpful after all...It distracts students too much!"
21. 10/12 ENG0099 MW 8:30 Due to the status quo flipped classroom caused confusion to me. It didnt work so well for me because I wasnt properly informed about it then again in the begining I was usually late for class. Either way flipped classrooms are confusing.
22. 10/12 ENG1001 MW 12:30 I like the flipped class, but agin I think it would be hard for those of us who aren't always on the computer or know how to use it to our benefit. If it's explained a little better, i think more people will really get into it. 
23. 10/12 ENG1001 MW 12:30 I do enjoyb the flipped class, but sometimes I find it a bit confusing. I think we should go more into detail in class on what we are talking about. When we have assessments to do at home that comes from the book, I feel we should go over it more in class. 
24. 10/12 ENG1001 MW 7:50 Again, we didn't really talk about the assesment, so either change them or don't use them. I don't know how to fix problem.
25. 10/12 ENG2003 MW 6:00 I loved the flipped class. I do feel however that I would have enjoyed hearing Professor Hamon read a bit more of the literature with us in class or even online as online lectures as I found this to be even more effective in helping me to understand the stories or poems.
26. 10/12 ENG2003 MW 6:00 I liked the flipped class on one level because it gave me a chance to think about an assignment completely from an untainted perspective, before talking about it in class. I just think maybe we should have spent more time deciphering some of the literature in class as well. So maybe a more blended version of a flipped class.
27. 10/12 ENG2003 MW 6:00 It was different, but personally I would prefer most of the work to have been done in clss 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 flashdrive. 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. 

Drop the flipped classroom. What was strong and/or weak about the flipped classroom for you?

1. 01/12 ENG1001 MW 7:50 I am more of a visual learning so flipped class didn't really help me much.
2. 01/12 ENG1001 TR 8:30 The whole thing.
3. 04/12 ENG1001 MW 8:30 It didn't work for me.
4. 04/12 ENG1001 MW 6:00 I rather the proffesor just force a topic upon us and then we do the research on the topic. This is probabbly due to the fact every single proffesor works with style and so it's better to just continue to work on what were used to. Especially when there a grade invloved.
5. 07/12 ENG1002 MW 8:30 I didn't really get it. 
6. 07/12 ENG1002 MW 8:30 Didnt like. Really dont care to share we stronger.
7. 07/12 ENG2001 MW 10:30 I didnt really like that i kept forgetting to do those and when i came back to class the next day that swhen i remembered that we had to do them.
8. 10/12 ENG1001 MW 12:30 I really didnt care for it, because I was blogging more to my own class. 
9. 10/12 ENG1001 MW 12:30 It was great to see everything that was do or would be do online - remembering to check the wiki, etc. was a different matter.  It made attending class more difficult aqs it was clearly a more or less online class...So it wasn't clear what the in class sessions aimed to accomplish.
10. 10/12 ENG1001 MW 7:50 I felt overwhelmed with the flipp class, until I got the hang of it, I did not know how to keep up. Also I feel more students will attend class, and perhaps complete more assignments.