At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to:
1) Identify the key features of the flipped classroom and how these contribute to student learning and engagement;
2) describe how the flipped classroom approach increased student learning, engagement and connection;
3) how they might consider applying this model to their own courses/curriculum in the future.

In this session the results of a research project exploring the student experience of learning in a flipped classroom model of instruction in higher education will be briefly presented. Subsequently, this session will explore how applying this innovative teaching strategy allowed for increased student learning, engagement and connection. This research reinforced that flipped learning can transform university classrooms into dynamic, interactive learning environments where student engagement and motivation is high. Students valued the role of the educator who guided them as they applied concepts and engaged cooperatively and creatively in the subject matter thereby deepening their learning.

The flipped classroom is an area of interest for researchers exploring teaching and learning. Flipped classrooms use digital technologies to shift direct instruction outside of the classroom. In this instructional model students explore concepts before coming to class through video/audio lectures, content-rich websites, readings and/or podcasts. Taking advantage of the student’s preparation, the teacher devotes more time to opportunities for integrating and applying their knowledge, via a variety of student-centered, active learning strategies. Through the flipped classroom model, time becomes available for students to collaborate with the professor and peers, engage more deeply with content, practice skills and receive feedback on their progress.

This session would be of interest to individuals:
1) looking for innovative ways to combine asynchronous and synchronous teaching and learning modalities to increase student learning, engagement and connection when faced with alternate delivery of classes.
2) considering moving away from a traditional lecture-centered instructional model and interested in devoting more time to opportunities for integrating and applying knowledge, via a variety of student-centered, active learning strategies.

Keywords: Flipped Classroom, Digital technologies, Higher education, Active learning, Deeper learning.