I have been experimenting with the flipped classroom (see below for more info). Present.Me is a wonderful website that allows users to flip 
their classroom but still keep the personal touch of the teacher. With Present.me you first upload your powerpoint, PDF, Excel, Google Doc., or Word document, then you record your presentation with a webcam with either the video or just the audio. Another awesome feature that seems really useful is the ability to edit. If you make a mistake while recording you can just rewind and record again.
When you are finished you can publish and share the link of your lesson to your class. You can share the link with Facebook, Twitter, or even embed it into your class website or blog. The best part is the video is stored in the cloud. You no longer need to upload the video to Youtube or download any annoying program. Students can watch the video from their computer, tablet, or mobile device.
Application in the Classroom:
- Flipping your classroom leaves you extra time in class for more interactive work
- Students can use Present.me for public speaking practice
- Give students the option of submitting their project using Present.me rather than speaking in front of the class
- Posting lessons online means that parents can keep up-to-date with the topics their children are studying and can make a personal connection with their teacher
- Make yours a social school by creating a Present.me about the whole class. A friendly and fun way to get the children involved and encourage class integration.
- Be creative! Use our communication tool to make a Present.me with slides, audio and video content with another language
- So the football team came top of the league? Why not put together a match report – complete with commentary and pictures of all the action.
- The ideas are endless!
What is the flipped classroom?
Students watch 5-7 minute video lecture at home at their own pace, communicate with peers and teacher via online discussion boards or blogs. Since lectures are done at home- labs, critical thinking activities, and concept engagement take place inside the classroom with the support of the teacher. Students can receive frequent and instant feedback in the classroom. Students are less frustrated with critical thinking activities because they are now completed in class. Teachers can also help struggling students who do not understand a particular concept by reteaching in class.
Results: I have seen a noticeable improvement in student test scores as well as student engagement in the classroom. Homework is no longer “as boring” and flipping the classroom has increased comprehension and higher level thinking. See the flipped info-graphic.
Educational Benefits of using the flipped model:
- Make your classroom hours more productive
- Stronger connections to parents and guardians
- Students can practice their public speaking ability
- Students can create a flipped lesson and teach their class
- Teaching becomes outside the box
Citation: Flipped Infographic and Present.me
Here are a flipped history lessons on Youtube called Flipped History Videos.
How do you check to see if your students actually watch the video at home?
You can do a few things. I mix assessment up and try to keep them on their toes. I also give them 2 days to watch the video so they have timeto watch it.
1. You can give them a response blog assignment. I had my students also comment on other student’s blog posts.
2. You can give a short quiz (2-3 questions) the following day in class as an assessment
3.You can have them take notes as they watch it and quickly check the assignment by walking around your class the following day.
4. You can give them a writing prompt as they watch it.
5. Last week I made a random sound during the video and they had to say what it was. You can get really creative with it!