Module 4 - Assignment 5 - Explain Everything

Explain Everything explains a lot. I am really interested in this program for use in a flipped classroom approach. Though I have started branching out, I still use PowerPoints frequently for students to follow as we go over concepts. Students often tell me that they need to review or repeat the viewing of the PowerPoints after class is over, but they don't have me narrating or emphasizing the same special points I do in class, so they miss the connection between the topic and the PowerPoint. My using Explain Everything to create a file they can use before and after class, and re-watch as many times as needed will provide them with the opportunity to review at their own pace.

Another value to this program is for the often absent students. We all have students with medical or special issues that frequently interfere with their education. While it is easy to hand them missed assignments, just copying the notes from someone or reviewing a simple PowerPoint on their own often just confuses them rather than teaching them. Explain Everything creates a format that will teach them the same lessons presented in class, and allow them the luxury of repeating it over and over. It also frees me up as the teacher to continue going forward instead of having to review constantly for a class or a single individual.

Finally, if I am diligent about posting and emphasizing its usage, Explain Everything creates that most desirable characteristic of a flipped characteristic - extra instructional time. It creates a self-learning environment that allows students to capture a portion of the lesson outside of regular class time, which opens up actual classroom time for answering questions, clarifying confusion and working one on one with students on problems or activities.