Fostering Communities with Flipgrid

Flipgrid allows teachers to organize students’ responses regarding  certain topics into a single place. These responses can be viewed by the students, their parents and the teacher. This unique feature fosters a community where students  provide authentic peer-to-peer feedback. 

The different types of Grid a teacher can create.

Topic overview when adding a new topic in a Grid

WHAT IS FLIPGRID?

Flipgrid is a free video recording tool where teachers can create grids that act as a meeting place for their classroom. Within the grid, teachers can create separate topics where students can upload their video responses. 

With the Google Classroom integration, teachers can easily import Flipgrid as assignments or class materials to Google Classroom. Students can also log into Flipgrid easily by using their school credentials.

The built in recording app  also allows users to record their screen in addition to recording from  a camera (for example a webcam). There is a wide range of built-in filters where students can unleash their creative side in video-making. Students can also embellish their videos with text, stickers and drawings. Those who are camera shy can also use the “Board” function to draw and annotate their responses.

HOW TO GET STARTED WITH FLIPGRID

Getting started with Flipgrid is easy, here are a few steps to get you started in no time. For a more detailed tutorial check out  this Getting Started Guide. .

1. On the main page, select the red button that says Educator sign up… it’s free!

2. Teachers can log in using their Microsoft or Google credentials.

3. On the My Grids page, select the red button that says Add a New Grid

4. When creating a New Grid, there are several options to adjust the privacy settings of the Grid. 

   1. School Email: Teachers can only allow students with their Microsoft or Google school email to log-in. 

   2. Student ID: Teachers can create a unique list of student IDs for those specific students to join the grid.

   3. Public and PLCs: This option is for professional development where teachers need to connect with other teachers. These grids are publicly accessible.

5. Once the grid is made, select the red button that says Add a New Topic

6. New Topics are similar to assignments where teachers can upload task details and set expectations. Flipgrid automatically sets the video length to be 1 minute and 30 seconds. However, teachers can increase the video length to 10 minutes now.

WHY FLIPGRID?

Something that I am trying to get my students to do is to be able to receive feedback and provide constructive feedback to each other. I wanted to create more of a co-learning environment where teachers become more of a facilitator. I also think this helps students to practice verbal and/or written language skills . With the way Flipgrid is made, students can provide feedback visually, which I think taps into the digital native side in my students.

After using Flipgrid with my students, they loved viewing their peers' work and seeing the creation process.. They responded well to Flipgrid’s presentation of their data  as a virtual gallery walk and it helped to facilitate a higher quality of feedback towards each other.  

Flipgrid also has a teacher collaborative function in its resource centre. Flipgrid’s resource centre features a multitude of resources created by teachers around the world. Teachers can duplicate and modify these resources according to their personal needs and create a wide range of activities such as Icebreakers or Scavenger Hunts.

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