Abstract:

Proper use of active learning tools and activities will engage students to engage with instructors and classmates resulting in learning effectiveness and student satisfaction. The flipped classroom is one of the productive techniques encouraging students’ self-directed learning while stimulating their learning interests. While new technologies bring new learning opportunities, utilizing various multimedia tools and techniques may be challenging for some learners with disabilities. Data were collected using electronic interviews with faculty and students at a university in the central part of the United States. The results of this study revealed faculty and students' experiences with flipped educational approaches.

The purpose of this paper is to present effective instructional approaches and best practices used in higher education conducive to all learners in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs. Advanced educational techniques in this modern era, especially flipped classrooms and web-based tools (e.g., virtual collaboration, web conferencing, email, discussion board, etc.) become a vital issue for educators to optimize their uses and to sustain a high level of engagement in disciplinary contents. The major points covered in this study are:

• Good practices and important factors in flipped classroom approach
• Effective instructional materials design with innovative and active learning strategies
• Discussion of adult learning theory (Andragogy), cognitive constructivist theory of multimedia learning, and social learning theory
• Comparison of 5 different web conferencing software for group collaboration
• An interview report from students and faculty on using flipped classrooms and active learning activities and tools.
• A summary table of teaching-learning strategies for higher education

The activities implemented in this paper show a positive impact on student engagement that brings higher-order learning into the classroom through the practices. This study also summarizes how these learning activities and flipped classrooms approach can improve, enhance, and motivate students' divergent thinking. This method can also assist students to gain knowledge and skills expected from industry professionals.

Keywords:

Flipped classroom, Innovative methods, Active Learning Strategies, Higher Education, Student Satisfaction, Good Practices.