Check it out here: Flipgrid
Watch a Flipgrid getting started video
Flipgrid is a video creation tool that allows teachers and students to record and share with one another. I have used this in the past in limited capacity, but haven’t explored the tool extensively.
Signing up is free for educators. Once in you simply click add a topic. From there it takes you to a page to set up the topic you want the students to respond to. You can give it a title, and include a prompt for discussion. You also have the ability to determine the length of recording time and the closed caption settings. Once you have this set up you have the option to record your own video or add different types of media to help engage your students in the activity.
It is pretty simple to set up and since I have used it in the past, I know that the students had no trouble using it either. I learned while exploring the site more, that if you open the discovery page there are lessons/topics/videos that have been made an shared on a wide variety of topics. I really enjoyed looking through some of these. I found some stories, art lessons, and science projects that would be appropriate for my students.
One of the things I really like about flipgrid is that it allows an alternative method for students to share what they are learning that can be done asynchronously. When we went remote in the spring, the zoom meeting schedule didn’t meet everyone’s needs. By integrating Flipgrid into the lessons each week, it gave students a voice in their work. It also provided another way to maintain a connection with them. Something else that is a positive about this tool is that there is the option to keep the videos private, so parents aren’t as concerned about their child’s video floating our and about in a public space. When responding to a prompt the students also don’t need an account. They can just respond using a provided link.
A few downfalls I experienced were that at first I wasn’t able to embed my video prompt into google classroom. I may have been doing something wrong though. The other downside is that some people are very uncomfortable recording themselves or they don’t have the technology to do so.
Even so I do think this is a tool I will continue to use if we go remote. I found that it was beneficial to have an opportunity for the students to share their thoughts and projects in another way than just a photo or a typed up response that their parents ultimately typed for them.
If you want to respond to my topic, recored yourself here!
