Innovation Center Provides Global Hub for Flipped Learning
Teachers around the world have a new resource for connecting, problem-solving, innovating and sharing best practices in flipped learning. Launched today, the International Flipped Learning Innovation Center (IFLIC) is an online platform designed to support collaboration and innovation among flipped learning practitioners worldwide.
The center was created through a merger of the Flipped Learning Community, an organization formed in 2010 to "engage teachers interested in using technology in their classrooms," and the Flipped Learning Global Initiative (FLGI), devoted to "expanding adoption of flipped learning all over the world." (Earlier this year, FLGI launched a certification program for flipped learning pedagogy and practices.) The merger "connects some 29,000 registered members to a larger global network of flipped learning, practitioners, researchers, master teachers, technologists, administrators, advocates and thought leaders," according to a press release. The mission: "to build bridges between the silos of robust flipped learning activity occurring worldwide."
According to a statement from the FLGI, the new center will connect flipped learning initiatives across countries such as China, Taiwan, Spain, UAE, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Italy, Korea, Argentina, Iceland, Sweden, India and the United States. "We're excited to launch what we hope will become the epicenter of flipped learning collaboration, innovation and cross-pollination worldwide," said Errol St.Clair Smith, FLGI's director of global development.
"The implications and promise of IFLIC are significant," said Jon Bergmann, co-founder of FLGI. "I've seen far too many flipped learning early adopters struggling in isolation with problems that have already been solved somewhere in the world. Many flippers are reinventing wheels, some are flipping in quiet desperation, while others are investing in flawed tools because they don't know there is a better way. The solution is connection, communication and collaboration."
For more information, go to the FLGI site.
About the Author
Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].