How the “inside-out class” method works in practice

’Inside-out’ classroom transformation

The biology curriculum included digital tools such as Quizizz, Quizlet, Plickers, Learningapps.org, Kahoot!, and Microsoft Forms. Students had to use Microsoft PowerPoint in class and at home, and were tasked with creating a digital comic for homework.

For German, they used the Liveworksheets online application, and one teacher created interactive learning paths through the Thinglink video annotation solution. Students used smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartboards, and interactive projectors to navigate the program.

Although the students were enthusiastic at first, independent learning wasn’t always a raving success. According to Vámos, the students enjoyed the variety of the online biology exercises. However, working on assignments at home was challenging. And, according to the teachers, students needed to develop digital competence and device use, so they would spend less time preparing their digital homework.  In the German course, for example, students found it more difficult to learn the theoretical background on their own than with the guidance of a trained teacher. At the same time, they appreciated the easy navigation and structured information of the online platform, as well as the variety of practice tasks. 

Ample support in the cloud

At first, teachers were skeptical of the new methodology; they felt that preparing classes and designing practice tasks required constant research on their part. However, the Microsoft training course provided them with ample support.  After completing the course, they found that class preparation was much easier. For example, there was no need to bring textbooks and photocopies to class, since those materials were all in the cloud. 

According to Vámos, the first key to success is a thorough knowledge of OneNote; the other is to digitalize and organize existing teaching materials. If these two are in place, the introduction of “inside-out” teaching holds great potential for open-minded, motivated, and creative teachers. The school plans to expand the project to include the Elementary School of Kökönyös and additional subjects and classes within the school.