IIT Jodhpur researcher examines Blended Learning Framework using flipped teaching

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur’s researcher Rajlaxmi Chouhan who is an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering investigated Blended Learning Framework using flipped classroom model, and analysed the usefulness and convenience of this model. The research was also aimed to know if the analytics obtained from the interactive video assignments can be used to further flag at-risk students and make timely interventions.

The analysis of flipped classrooms using interactive video modules was done for an introduction to electrical engineering course held in online mode for a first-year batch of engineering students. To recreate in-class personalized experience for the students, video lectures created by the instructor were used with questions interleaved at strategic locations to monitor the attention and engagement of the student.

Also Read | IIT Madras researchers identify bacterium that turns agricultural waste into industrial enzymes

“The use of video-based flipped classroom blended learning with interactive video assignments has proven to be a significantly useful approach during distance learning, especially since it gives students the flexibility to access study material at a time of their convenience, but at their own pace. The format of providing interactive video lectures as a flipped classroom study material has garnered the support of more than 80% of the students in the instructor's courses,” said an official statement from IITJ.

Chouhan has received 2019 Teaching Excellence Award and the 2021 Dr Vandana Sharma Memorial Award for Teaching Innovation at IIT Jodhpur.

Flipped teaching

In future, IIT Jodhpur researcher plans to extend the work by incorporating various other variables that contribute to learning, including retention and long-term skill development through immersive learning. Eventually, it wants to create an ML-enabled platform that allows personalized tutoring assistance to students, instructor feedback and monitoring assistance, and seamless integration of e-learning material with immersive and interactive lab and discussion spaces where both instructors and learners can co-create and collaborate in knowledge sharing and skill development, as per the statement.

The unique aspect of this research was to analyse the engagement analytics to explore if a well-defined pattern can be observed to identify students who

(i) do not put much effort into watching the videos

(ii) are unable to answer knowledge checks correctly despite putting significant efforts.

To provide a sense of belonging and immersion in the institute campus, a 3D walkthrough of basic labs used in this course was created for students who had not yet visited the campus. The flexibility offered by such pedagogies allowed students to focus on engaging with the material at their own convenience rather than worry about attendance in live classes.

Also Read | IIT Guwahati researchers design ‘electricity-free’ air-conditioning system

Talking about the significance of Flipped Classroom, Chouhan said, "Accommodating the needs of different types of learners is one of our foremost duties as instructors. A truly holistic, meaningful and enjoyable learning experience design focuses on 'engagement' instead of the traditional concept of attendance. We would continue to explore and develop innovative pedagogies and technology-assisted learning tools to train our young students into future proficient engineers and scientists."