Content of the article Joseph Filiplic flipped the way he instructs during the pandemic and he's not going back.
Content of the article "When everybody was remote learning students were also working at their homes. minecraft servers I observed that a lot of my students were taking on additional tasks 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 pupils. "I had to make sure I was communicating with my students, who were being pulled in various directions doing something completely new to them."
The answer? What Filiplic calls a flipped lesson, which is based on Microsoft tools for education like video-conferencing platforms Teams as well as note-taking apps OneNote and the video-discussion software Flipgrid. "I would record every lesson and upload them on YouTube, then I would import them to OneNote and Teams," says Filiplic. The course materials and assignments can be accessed from almost any device from there.
At first, he wanted his students to get through the outbreak without suffering. However, to his delight, they did far more than just survive: they excelled. Even though they had been unable to succeed in traditional classrooms, the kids were still doing well. He was now reaching students who were learning differently. Like those with difficulties with language, learning disabilities and even shyness.
"I knew from that moment that I couldn’t return to the old stand-and-deliver system. From now on, it needs become more interactive. He says it must be more cooperative. Therefore, when in-person classes were resumed with digital tools, they remained. Filiplic continues to record his lectures on video, allowing students to respond with Flipgrid. His students can also call Filiplic or text him through Teams whenever they require. It's a lot like a modern workplace, with flexible hours and motivated employees. "My students aren't stuck within the four walls anymore," says Filiplic. "They realize that the lessons don't stop when the bell rings. It has been able to break down many barriers.
Article content From the start it was logical to choose Microsoft, the gold standard for the working world, says Filiplic. "I thought, OK I teach social studies. But am I really teaching only this subject, or am I teaching my student how to contribute to society?" What happens when they get older? Everything was pointed towards Microsoft," he says.
As a company, Microsoft has been laser-focused on the education market as well - especially with the recent launch of Windows SE, a cloud-based version of its renowned operating software. The new platform will be available on budget-friendly "cloud first" laptops and tablets from Acer, Asus, Dell and more, and Microsoft directly under the Surface brand.
Paige Johnson, Microsoft vice president of education marketing she says that Windows SE has purpose-built features that will aid students in the K-8 age group in the ways we have heard them asking for. The new interface is designed to minimize visual distractions, for instance and puts inclusive, customizable learning tools front and centre. They include Microsoft Teams and OneNote, plus features such as Reading Progress - an AI tool that helps teachers evaluate student's fluency remotely - and Immersive Reader is an interactive reading comprehension and learning tool that makes reading more accessible to learners of all ages.
Johnson says that Reading Progress is great for educators since it allows them to concentrate their teaching time where they're needed most. "For instance If I realized that all my students were unable to pronounce the word 'physical' correctly' I might realize I'm not speaking it out loud, or that I need to give them more reading examples that contain the word.
Article content The company also offers free Microsoft 365 for students that comes with Flipgrid and an education version of Minecraft, the popular world-building video game.
Filiplic believes these new releases will open up new possibilities in a field that's rich with potential for teachers and students as parents who can now track their children's progress like never. His YouTube videos have proven to be popular with teachers across Canada and he's actively working with others to change the lecture model.
He states, "I'm in 17 years of teaching and I'm feeling like a teacher in my first year again." "I'm grateful to have found these tools because I'm sure I'm able to reach my students in a way that I have never before. I can't go back. I won't go back."
This story was developed for Microsoft by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division.
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