Martina Wiltschko in Linguistics uses mini lectures and WordPress for core concepts
Last year I created several videos that elaborate on the main concepts I want them to understand. Instead of a final exam, the students had to also create videos on a topic of their choice.
–Martina Wiltschko, Professor in the Department of Linguistics
Back Story
I teach a big introductory class (LING 100) in a flipped classroom style. Last year I created several videos that elaborate on the main concepts I want them to understand. Instead of a final exam, the students had to also create videos on a topic of their choice. They knew that this was for the purpose of teaching the next installment of the class.
How did you use the WordPress sites in your course and what made you decide to do this?
The Video Website
The team at the Arts Learning Center created a website for me where all of these videos are uploaded. Students in this year’s class have access to the website. If they want they can watch all of the videos any time. However, I do give them specific videos that they have to watch before a particular class. I am currently in the process of describing the relevant videos (especially those that they have to watch) … but that’s still in progress. I do it as I go along in the course.
The Class Website
Because I didn’t like connect during last year’s course, I switched to a word-press website for the entire course as well (obviously the course website links to the video website). I have been so much happier with this option. It’s easy to use and allows for a much cleaner interface. I keep the use of connect to a bare minimum (only for assignments and grading).
I don’t have feedback from the students yet but I suspect that they prefer this option as well (last year I had a number of complaints about connect). For me, this is the way to go.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced and is there anything about your approach you would improve or change?
The greatest challenge with this approach towards teaching was creating the videos last year. It was immensely time consuming. But now that I have them, I can reap the benefits. In this year’s class preparation I focus mainly on developing the in-class activities that further their understanding.
Do you have any advice for instructors hoping to implement this in their course?
It’s best to do this with a supportive team. I have worked on the development of the flipped classroom in the context of a larger project which seeks to transform several linguistics classes. I cannot imagine doing it without proper support.
My experience with the team at the Arts Learning Centre (Arts ISIT)?
The team has been extremely helpful in setting up the page and helping me with the design. Whenever I have a question on how to do something, I have an answer within less than an hour. It’s a pleasure to work with them.