Flipped Classroom

Free Online Course Outlines How to Avoid Bad Technology Choices for Flipped Learning

• By Rhea Kelly
• 01/09/17

The Flipped Learning Global Initiative (FLGI) today announced a new program geared toward helping educators, administrators and IT staff with the technology selection process for flipping the classroom. The program begins with a free online training course, "How to Avoid the 17 Deadly Sins of Flipped Learning Technology Selection," with a larger initiative set to launch at the end January.

According to a statement from FLGI, the course "covers the vital considerations that should be part of making any technology purchase for flipped learning," including:

• Initial cost;
• Infrastructure requirements;
• Customization cost;
• Technology compatibility and integration;
• Scalability;
• Learning curve;
• Training options;
• Student safety;
• Hidden costs;
• Cultural compatibility;
• Technology lifecycle and obsolescence; and
• Switching costs.

Insights are drawn from FLGI's global cohort of flipped learning researchers, flipped master teachers and flipped learning technologists.

"Nothing can kill a flipped learning program more quickly than the selection of expensive, complex technology that is poorly suited to flipped learning. The education technology graveyards are littered with the remains of tools, programs, and gizmos that teachers couldn't or wouldn't use," said Jon Bergmann, co-founder of FLGI, in a statement. "I've seen too many flipped learning efforts fail because of massively misguided technology choices."

FLGI describes itself as a "worldwide coalition of educators, researchers, technologists, professional development providers and education leaders." The organization launched a flipped learning certification program last year, as well as an International Flipped Learning Innovation Center tasked with supporting collaboration and innovation among flipped learning practitioners.

Information on the new course is available at the FLGI site.