Khan Academy & The Flipped Classroom

    The concept of a "flipped classroom" is a new, innovative idea where students view the lectures at home and then complete the homework assignments in class the next day.  Khan says that flipped classrooms get rid of the "one size fits all lecture from the classroom," but I think he underestimates the power of many teachers.  There are many teachers who do not use just lecture and chalk-and-talk methods in the classroom anymore.  As teachers, we need to differentiate the lessons to meet the needs of students so lectures do not just work.  Then he says that classrooms right now have students learn "with their fingers on their lips and not interacting with each other."  I do not agree with that statement at all.  I know at my school that there are very few classrooms where the students are silent and not interacting with their peers.  The other thing I feel Khan is assuming is that students will be motivated to watch the lectures.  I know that for many of my students, they would not watch the lectures.  Most of my students do not have access to computers at their home so I do not know if a flipped classroom can be done in some areas where technology is not accessible for everyone.  I feel as though Khan's flipped classroom can work in an ideal classroom where students are motivated to learn, willing to learn on their own and can do so with little help from the teacher.  While I appreciate and enjoy using technology to supplement my lessons, I do not think it should take the place of a teacher's role in the classroom.

Check out the video below and share your thoughts!