Flipgrid - a how and why to

Flipgrid is a web-based platform, which allows teachers/educators to create 'grids' (topics) for video-based discussion. The idea is to get your class - whoever they may be - to 'reflect upon, discuss and showcase what they have been learning when they leave the classroom 💫 - neat right? 

Ok, so how does it work?

After signing up through your Gmail account, the first thing you see on Flipgrid is a nifty 'how to get started'... It basically involves three steps ↓

Once you have done this you will have your own classroom and can make your own post, which should look something like this ↓ - just enter the password ICTTESOL1

(If the embedded link above doesn't work just click-me)

As you can see from my Flipgrid, you can post your topic instructions via text or you can do it in a video. I like that they offer two choices here but I would highly recommend uploading your own video - if you’re asking your students to do it then best to get in the spirit. 

The Flipgrid I made above is for teachers/teacher trainees. The importance of reflecting on our practice is a well-established topic in ELT (and in education in general) - I think Flipgrid ignites discussion among practitioners (if you fall into this category AND are reading this blog then I'd love for you to hit the reply button on my grid and tell me about your classroom difficulties) in a fun and engaging way.

Not only could Flipgrid be used among teachers but it could also be used with students to review what has been learned in class that week, for holiday diaries, student exchanges, interactive and collaborative story-telling - the list really is endless. If you are like me then you often run out of time in class and don't get to hear what every student has to say (oftentimes it's the quiet ones who don't get to share), so setting up a grid on Flipgrid can provide you with the means to ensure everyone gets heard 💥. You can also embed your videos in other sites like google classroom or your blog ✌

The best thing about Flipgrid – It is SUPER interactive, collaborative, and it can be a lot of fun once you have gotten your head around  📹 yourself.  I can totally understand that the video aspect might put people off and so I have seen people make screencasts or powerpoints and talk over the top of them and then upload the video as a response (this is a feature that Flipgrid allows). Annnd if you are far to camera shy 👀 you can record audio only 

The worst thing about Flipgrid - Although I mentioned the nifty how-to page on Flipgrid, it can take a while to get your head around the site. It's not as easier to navigate as it should be. I also think students should be able to comment by text on each other's posts - they can video their response but I feel like if they had the option to write they'd be more likely to say something. 

So why not give it a try?

Thanks for reading, 
K

Images from Flipgrid