Content of the article Joseph Filiplic flipped the way he is teaching during the pandemic, and he's not turning back.
Article content "When everyone was learning remotely, people were also working at home. I observed that a lot of my students were taking on additional roles at home. They were taking on the role of babysitters for their younger siblings and more," he says of his J.J. Bowlen Catholic Junior High students. "I had to ensure that I was reaching my students. They were being pulled in different directions and were doing something completely different to me.
The answer? What Filiplic calls a flipped lesson, which is based on Microsoft education tools like video-conferencing platforms Teams, note-taking app OneNote and video-discussion software Flipgrid. "I would record all my lessons and upload them on YouTube, then I would import them to OneNote and Teams," says Filiplic. From there, the course materials and assignments were accessible on almost any device.
He hoped that his pupils would be able to survive the epidemic without suffering. They did more than endure, and they flourished to his delight. The students who had been successful in a traditional classroom environment were still thriving. He was now reaching students who learn differently. Like those struggling with language barriers, learning disabilities and even shyness.
"I was aware from that point that I couldn't return to the old method of stand-and-deliver. From now on, it needs to be more interactive. He suggests that it should be more cooperative. The digital tools were able to continue working even after the classes in person were resumed. Filiplic continues to record his lessons in video which allows students to respond to him using Flipgrid. Students can also contact Filiplic or send messages to him via Teams whenever they need. It's a lot like an office environment that has flexible hours and self-motivated employees. Filiplic states, "My students don't stay inside the four walls anymore." They know that the teaching isn't over when the bell rings. It has removed many barriers.
Content for articles From the beginning, it made sense to use Microsoft the most prestigious standard for the work world Filiplic says. Filiplic. "I thought, Ok, I teach social studies. But am I really teaching just that subject, or am I teaching my student how to contribute to the society?" What's going to occur when they grow older? He claims that everything points towards Microsoft.
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As an organization, Microsoft has been laser-focused on the education market, as well - especially with the recent release of Windows SE, a cloud-based version of its renowned operating software. The new platform will be accessible on budget-friendly "cloud first" laptops and tablets from Acer, Asus, Dell and more, plus Microsoft directly under the Surface brand.
"Windows SE comes with specially-designed features that aid students from kindergarten to eight in ways we heard our customers say they were looking for," says Paige Johnson, Microsoft vice-president of education marketing. The new interface minimizes visual distractions, for instance and puts inclusive, customizable learning tools front and centre. These include Microsoft Teams, OneNote, and features like Reading Progress, which is an AI tool that allows teachers to remotely assess student fluency - and Immersive Reader which is a dynamic reading comprehension tool and a learning tool that makes reading accessible to students of all ages.
Johnson states that Reading Progress is great for educators because it allows them to concentrate their time teaching where they are most needed. "If I observe that my children are unable to pronounce the word 'physical', I may be able to see that I'm not saying the word loud enough or that I need more reading examples that include the word.
Article content The company also offers free Microsoft 365 for students that comes packaged with Flipgrid and an education edition of Minecraft the world-building video game.
Filiplic believes that these new releases will open up new possibilities in a field that's rich with opportunity for teachers and students as parents who are now able to track their children's growth like never before. His YouTube videos have caught on with teachers across Canada as well, and he's been actively helping others flip the script on the traditional lecture model.
He states, "I'm in 17 years of teaching, and I'm like a teacher in my first year again." "I'm so grateful I found these tools since I know that I'm reaching more students than I ever have before. I can't go back. I'm not going back."
This story was written for Microsoft by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division.
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