Constructing a cheap DIY lightboard for flipped class prelectures

Abstract The flipped classroom model has been shown to enhance learning in STEM education. However, a significant challenge for instructors transitioning from traditional blackboard lectures to a flipped format is the extensive time required to create prelecture videos, which are typically PowerPoint slides with narration. However, because STEM subjects heavily rely on equations and diagrams, the slides are very time-consuming to create. To address this issue, this paper presents a cost-effective DIY lightboard setup that enables instructors to create prelecture videos much more efficiently. A lightboard—a transparent, illuminated writing surface—allows instructors to maintain eye contact with students while writing and speaking. This paper details the construction process using readily available materials and common tools, with a total estimated cost of $116. The workflow using this setup eliminates the need to create PowerPoint slides, and enables the instructor to create the prelecture videos for a whole semester in under a week.