Flipgrid
Flipgrid (https://flipgrid.com/) is an easy-to-use video discussion platform in which students create short videos responding to teacher-created prompts. Teachers can moderate the videos, allowing students to respond to each other or keep them private. Videos are easily shared from the platform, using a link or downloading the files, and a built-in rubric function allows you to grade submissions quickly. Plus, students can put stickers and drawings on their selfies. They love that.
Uses
- Students showing their thinking with short easy-to-make videos, reflecting on an activity, experience, or event
Perks
- High motivation (digital stickers are a big deal)
- Verbal output allows for greater access to curriculum
- Appropriate for a wide range of audiences, e.g. lower elementary students, mixed-age family groups, professional development staff groupings
- A place for authentic student voice
- A centralized platform where videos are shared and stored easily
- Fluid between devices, i.e. not tied to a specific device
Disadvantages
- Requires login identity cards (QR codes or passwords) for school use
- No batch download function for whole classes (must download videos individually)
Login
Open the Flipgrid App & scan your student login code.
If needed, type in your name
(no email needed.)
Start Your Video
- Once in your grid, select the correct prompt from the dropdown menu.
- Watch the video that your teacher created so that you know what to talk about.
- Click on the green (+) button to start your video.
Submit your video
- After recording, continue through the steps by clicking the blue "next" arrow.
- Take a photo of yourself so that your teachers understand who is creating this video.
Make sure your teachers can see your face! Emojis should be fun and not distracting.
Download your video
- When you see the applause hands you are done!
- If asked, click "Download" to save your video to your camera roll (best for adding to your learning portfolio).
- Click "Return to Grid" then exit out of the grid to end your time.
PRo Tips!
Use the "sticky note" feature to type your talking points. Position the note near your camera so that as you read, you are also looking towards the camera.
Forget the prompt? Click on the "details" button to re-read the question or see any resources that your teacher submitted.
SAMR: Transformation
This app allowed us to redesign the work flow in the classroom while also permitting 1:1 engagement with the curriculum. When applied to other topics, such as classroom culture, school environment, or home-school connection, many opportunities for collaboration, sharing ideas, and building community become possible.
As a verbal low-risk highly motivating learning task, it reduces the stress of written assessments for students with reading and writing-specific learning challenges.
Ideas to Get Started:
- "Getting to Know You" Intro Video
- Book Talks
- Group Simulation Activity Video Journal Entries (Vlogs)
- KWL Station
- Field Trip Reflection
- Product or Skill Demonstration
- Classroom Suggestions Box
- Student of the Week Q&A
The Flipgrid Tools:
Flipgrid has put together a helpful guide for teachers to get started using each of its features.
- Duplicating prompts easily from one class to another
- Adding "Co-pilots," or multiple teachers to moderate grids
- Note-taking function to help students plan what to say
- Trimming, adding, and deleting sections of video
- Downloading videos or sharing with a link