Educators
seek apps for the intended purpose of enhancing student engagement and varying
assessment. The most effective apps improve learning experiences by seamlessly
connecting students, content, and the instructor. A careful examination of Flipgrid
(www.flipgrid.com) revealed
a user-friendly app that permits instructors to engage students in their own
learning by giving students a voice. Flipgrid creates an opportunity for
students to participate in video discussions and provides instructors with an
alternative assessment tool. The purpose of this article is to discuss Flipgrid
and provide some uses of the app.
What is Flipgrid?
Flipgrid is an asynchronous video discussion platform
designed to foster social learning both inside and outside the classroom (Green
& Green, 2018). Developed at the University of Minnesota and launched in
2015, Flipgrid is now a part of the Microsoft. Flipgrid is designed for the
educator community and allows for the creation of short videos around topics
for sharing with others. Flipgrid is a 100% free cross-platform web-based and
mobile app for educators and students.
So, how does it work? Instructors create a grid to present the
topics (discussions) for a class or course. Topics serve as the stimulus for
students’ video responses and include written text, video or images. Each topic
is a discussion prompt. Students respond to the topic (discussion prompt) via
an audio and video recording and reply to other students’ videos. Also, there
are options for uploading an existing video and for adding stickers and
drawings to videos. There are additional features ranging from privacy settings
for a grid to automatic transcription of audio (Green & Green, 2018).
Flipgrid in Action
One use of Flipgrid is for authentic assessment of student
performances in music classes. Performance assessment is one of the best ways
to determine students’ understanding of music concepts. Through video
responses, Flipgrid captures what students do in music. Topics for the grid are
for either individual or small group performances. Video responses are 5
minutes in length. Optionally, students record, trim, and rerecord video before
final submission. Flipgrid makes it possible for students to record video
responses at home or in school. Recorded videos are seen by others in the class
unless the instructor or student hides them (Dunbar, 2019).
Another use of Flipgrid is for students to become better
acquainted with fellow classmates. In an online class, students create and
share introductory videos and collaborate with each other to grow the online
learning community. After posting a video response to the self-introductory
topic, students view and respond to at least two other students with thoughtful
and thorough responses. As a graded assignment, the video introduction replaces
the typical text-based self-introduction discussions (Casarez, Agan, Self,
Anderson, Atwood, & Heron, 2019).
Conclusion
Flipgrid is ideal for online classrooms or face-to-face
classes that integrate technology. Flipgrid, a video discussion platform,
provides greater opportunity for expression with the addition of audio and
video capabilities. Flipgrid connects students, content, and the instructor visually
and audibly. Student engagement, experiences and outcomes are enhanced in any
classroom environment, particularly in online settings. Flipgrid has the capacity or bringing greater
opportunities for collaboration. Try it out and post a comment to let me know
what you think about Flipgrid.
References
Casarez, L., Agan, T., Self, R.,
Anderson, D., Atwood, A., & Heron, A. (2019). Flipgrid to enhance
communication in distance education. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 85(4),
35–37.
Dunbar, L. (2019). When responses
cannot be written down: Video submission possibilities in the music classroom. General
Music Today, 32(3), 29–30. https://doi.org/10.1177/1048371319832880
Green, T., & Green, J. (2018).
Flipgrid: Adding voice and video to online discussions. TechTrends: Linking
Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 62(1), 128–130. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-017-0241-x
Cite this blog:
Washington, G. (2019, November 28). Using Flipgrid for Student Engagement and
Assessment [Blog post]. Retrieved
from https://pedagogybeforetechnology.blogspot.com/
