As everyone transitioned to working remotely, we all became very familiar with web conferencing platforms like Zoom and WebEx. We also discovered how much energy it takes to be on camera for hours and hours every day between meetings, project teams, and training.
Many learning and development (L&D) specialists are rediscovering distance learning techniques including the “Flipped Learning” model. The basis of this model is to use time outside of the live, or synchronous, class to introduce new materials ranging from text, videos, and interactive lessons and to allow the individual to take this content at their pace and on their schedule in advance of the next synchronous class session. The time in the live, synchronous, class is used to begin the deeper dive into the content focusing on group exercises, small group interactions, and group discussions where the time is spent with each other, engaging in conversations and working together to synthesize information and solve problems.
As we work and learn remotely, the ability to utilize group time effectively and efficiently is vital. Instead of having the contact with content be lectures via Zoom, this model allows changes to how people are introduced to instruction and creates a process that allows learners to interact with instructors and peers to practice, apply, and synthesize the content in the context of their mutual working experience.