Flipgrid

the Flipgrid logo

 
As an English language teacher who believes in Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), I can't believe that I did not learn about Flipgrid sooner. It would have definitely been helpful to get my students to speak up and voice out their opinions and ideas related to my lessons. I have actually heard about it in the SgLDC local online networked learning community but never got around to checking out what the site offers. I actually learned a bit more about Flipgrid as part of my personal PD in the Microsoft Educator Centre which I highly recommend other educators to check out.

Steps to be officially certified

Apparently, there are 3 levels of certification to strive for

For now, I am unable to secure the certifications as I do not have students to use the app with.

The various ways people use Flipgrid

a gif with the educator dashboard in the mobile app

Microsoft acquired the video response platform in mid-2018 and thus clearly Microsoft believes that Flipgrid's features can really benefit tech users whether in the classroom or beyond. Besides Microsoft's learning paths, this site has a pretty good walkthrough of how the app works. Essentially, teachers create 'grids' in which students can join and submit videos about chosen 'topics'. I tried out the features and how Flipgrid could integrate with Google Classroom.

A topic that caught my eye and worth discussing with my 'students'

Students have options to just record their voice and they can refer to notes too

Students can unleash their creativity and
beautify their video with frames, stickers, and more. 

With Google Classroom integration, all that is needed is the link

One of the best parts about the video is the capturing of closed captions (CC) automatically

The closed captions can be read using Microsoft's Immersive reader

Immersive Reader is a feature to help those with difficulties in reading

The captions can be edited by the teacher admin or co-pilot too

The teacher can provide video feedback or just comment directly

A grading rubric and a link to share feedback with students can be created too

An email notification is sent to students with feedback too

The teacher admin can also track videos as they come in and follow up in class

Teachers and students can also create mixtapes by grouping selected videos together or even shorts 

I can actually imagine using Flipgrid quite frequently in my future classrooms as this is the reality of how children/teens/youth communicate nowadays. Although, some may be uncomfortable or reserved at first, with the creation of safe and conducive spaces for learning with assurances that their videos and data are meant for their own learning purposes, the power of Flipgrid for learners old and young are undeniable. Below are some other features that make me want to use Flipgrid more. Maybe those of you reading could try them out first and share with me what you think about the app.

QR codes can be placed in physical spaces and link out to AR Flipgrid videos

Another exciting feature to try is the Gridpals (a wordplay on PenPals)

Classes can be connected and videos can be shared across borders and seas asynchronously using Gridpals

All you need to do is sign up in their directory and reply or connect with other educators