At Carpe Diem High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, you will see a bunch of kids at their own computer, in their own cubicle, all working in one big "classroom." Many people may think this is peculiar considering our typical idea of school, is about 25 kids, sitting at desks, and all facing toward a teacher. The reason Carpe Diem is different, is because this school offers a "blended learning" curriculum. This idea has been controversial ever since schools like this one opened. Blended learning, also known as the flipped classroom method, is in effect all around the world. The reason these are considered controversial is because many of the schools are run by companies, who are believed to have more interest in making a profit, than helping the student get as much as they can from their school experience. Students who learn faster are more in agreement with flipped classroom since they can move at their own pace, and not have to wait for the rest of their class to catch up with them.
I believe in the flipped classroom method. I have experienced it at Booker T. with Mrs. J in the Math Department. Flipped classroom requires the student to be accountable for their own learning, and the ones who don't want to learn, and would rather distract the class along with frustrating the teacher, are held accountable for that. Blended learning centers and schools are only taking the idea one step forward by creating an environment around the concept. I would personally hate to sit at a cubicle all day, rather than the schedule I have now. Since top tier universities aren't formed in a blended learning style, this may set up students for failure once they reach higher education.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/10/13/indianapolis-blended-learning-curriculum/2976893/
I feel as if school, especially high school, should not only teach core subjects, but also communication and social skills. This program yields in creating smart kids that can not convey ideas or make friends. Besides with a program like this, you would not need teachers, only administrators, and that would run a significant number of the populous out of a job.
ReplyDeleteI, too, experienced the blended classroom with Mrs. J. While it was quite beneficial to my learning pace and progress, I do agree that it could be a set up for failure. The flipped classroom method isn't very well-known (yet), but who knows? It could take a turn and become an encouraged learning style amongst society.
ReplyDeleteI think it sounds like a great idea. But I wouldn't want it for all classes. For classes i find more difficult i would want a more traditional class but for the easier classes i think this would be really beneficial. And I agree with sam, having a class that taught how to taxes or pay bills or use a credit would be really helpful. Especially for those who's parents cant teach them that.
ReplyDeleteWhile this sounds interesting and helpful I agree with Sam and believe that much of my learning is through talking and working thins out in a group. After all this is one of the main skills needed in many careers.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the first Sam; as much as I loved having the flipped classroom method because it helped me understand the actual assignment better in class when I learned the lesson on my own at home, it scares me to think that all these kids aren't getting the social interactions with other people. To not be able to effectively communicate to others/be able to talk to those around you will probably end up being a bigger problem than not understanding a lesson for a class period.
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