Flipped classrooms gaining popularity in colleges

Bengaluru: The concept of flipped classrooms, which involves delivering instructional content using technological aids, is getting popular among various institutes in the state.

Flipped classrooms reverse the traditional learning environment. Studying, understanding and even practical work, which was traditionally considered homework, is now being done at the class itself.

Classes at International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) are enabled with live lecture capture technology as the first stage towards implementing the flipped classroom methodology across disciplines.

Prof Chandrashekhar Ramanathan, Dean (Academics), told Deccan Chronicle that flipped classrooms will be up and running on a pilot basis for select courses in the upcoming academic year, scheduled to begin on August 1.

“The method, however, has been successfully implemented and received by working professionals, who take weekend courses at the institute. This has been more effective more them rather than bombarding them with a 3-4 hour lecture,” he said.

Students at IIIT-B, at the same time, have given a positive feedback to the authorities as it helps them concentrate more on lectures rather than being busy making notes in class.

The management at Atria Institute of Technology was keen on implementing the same as they found enabling students to figure out answers to tough questions was essential to transform them from the ‘archaic’ education system followed for decades now.

“It is high time we develop the system from a one-point delivery mechanism towards encouraging dialogue and conviction among students. Empowering teachers to pace up with that of technological advancements is also essential to ensure the graduating students have the right skill sets to serve the industry according to their changing standards,” said Kaushik Raju, Technical Director of Atria Institute of Technology.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi Director Prof V Ramgopal Rao recently said during a function in the city that faculty needs to embrace more technology in imparting education, using more than PowerPoint presentations.

Commenting on the same and admitting the trend of seeing a pushback among many to take up the change, Raju said the fear to do so is more among teachers while students are often excited to see their deliverables provided in a new way.

“Not all teachers come from a typical industry background and hence upskilling them is seen equally essential,” he said.

The flipped classroom method is introduced not just among institutions that offer technical courses, but also those offering arts and humanities courses, mainly at the post-graduate level.