Flipped Classroom techniques and technology are some of the hottest topics in education. Here’s a great EDUCAUSE article on the topic if you’d like to learn more.

The most essential aspect to a successful flipped classroom is effective time management. When you’re devoting precious class time to in-class exercises and concept engagement, knowing exactly what to focus on makes a world of difference. That’s where Poll Everywhere comes in.

Poll Everywhere allows you to assess student comprehension BEFORE class the next day by having students respond to questions from home, while reviewing lecture material. Although often used primarily in “real-time,” the system also works great remotely, whether you’re slipping a poll into a take home video lecture or written instructions. And since students can respond via the web or by Text message, you don’t have to worry about them always being by a computer.  This is something no clicker can do.

Dr. Matt Stoltzfus of Ohio State has been employing a flipped classroom model for over six years in a variety of teaching environments. He uses Poll Everywhere to quiz students and reward them for “showing up prepared.” This helps him identify which concepts to revisit and spend the most time on and identify students who may need individual assistance. More information on Dr. Stoltzfus’ approach can be found in The ‘Flipped’ Classroom article he co-authored for the American Chemical Society Division of Chemical Education Committee on Computers in Chemical Education. You can follow him on Twitter as @Dr_Fus.

Have you experimented with flipping the classroom? Have you worked in any assessment questions? What worked and what didn’t?