You may have heard the terms Flipped Classroom and Blended Learning used a lot lately however, what exactly are these two new methodologies and what is the difference?


Flipped Classroom

The Flipped Classroom model essentially reverses the traditional way of instructional teaching i.e. what is usually done in the classroom is done as homework and what is usually done as homework is done in the classroom. The benefit of this model is that the teacher spends less time teaching the theory and more time interacting with students (class time is used more effectively to tackle problems, challenge misconceptions and explore concepts in more detail).


Blended Learning

Blended Learning is similar in some ways to the Flipped Classroom in that it enables teaches to use online tools to facilitate learning outside of the classroom however, what makes Blended Learning different from the Flipped Classroom model is that online tutorials are used to compliment / consolidate the learning in the classroom rather than reverse or replace face-to-face teaching.


Tools to support Flipped / Blended Learning

Thankfully, there is an abundance of online tools available to facilitate the flipped / blended classroom, tools such as Wikis, Video Tutorials, Blogs, Podcasts and MOOCs. To find out more about the different tools and techniques available as well as useful hints and tips on how to get started, click here: 1 in 6 Science Teachers are flipping their classroom - are you one of them?


Flipped Classroom or Blended Learning – which one should you choose?

It’s clear that both models can be used to extend learning beyond the classroom but which one do you choose? The simple answer is that it all depends on your desired outcomes however, other factors such as time to prepare resources and access to technology outside of the classroom can also influence your choice.

Want to consolidate / extend the learning that takes place in the classroom? Then Blend your lessons. Want to make the best use of class time and make more time for practical / hands-on learning? Choose the Flipped Classroom model!

Want to try the Flipped Classroom model but don’t want to jump right in, start by Blending your classroom first before completely flipping your classroom!

Open Badges make it easy to…

• Get recognition for the things you learn. Open Badges include a shared standard for recognizing your skills and achievements and helps make them count towards job opportunities and lifelong learning.
• Give recognition for the things you teach. Anyone who meets the standard can award badges for skills or learning.
• Display your verified badges across the web. Earn badges from anywhere, then share them wherever you want—on social networking profiles, job sites and on your website.
• Verify skills. Employers, organizations and schools can explore the data behind every badge issued using Mozilla Open Badges to verify individuals’ skills and competencies.

Source: OpenBadges.org


Sharing what you've learned

When students reach the age of 13, they can store all their badges in a “Digital Backpack”. Once in their backpack, students can share their skills and achievements anywhere on the web including social networking profiles, job sites, wikis and personal blogs.