Flipgrid: Expressing Ideas

Details

Activity Description

Flipgrid is an easy to use video discussion platform, which has numerous applications in the adult education classroom. In this activity, students post a video response indicating their name and their goal for the class. Students are initially very hesitant and need something very structured and easy to record for their first assignment. Once students are familiar with Flipgrid, you can go on to more complex assignments. ESL students might work in small groups to record a dialog from their textbook. High school students might read a text or view a video and then give their conclusion or opinion of the resource. Flipgrid is a great way to promote critical thinking skills and get your students talking and expressing their ideas and thoughts.

You can ask students to weigh in on critical events in the news; practice and record dialog; give their view of an article, book, or movie; share their favorite poem, or add a YouTube video to your topic and have students respond to its content. It is a great tool for English Language Learners. The short videos encourage students to plan their responses and to speak clearly. They have the opportunity to record their response numerous times until they are satisfied with their post.

Flipgrid works well with any browser, Chromebook, tablet or mobile device; and integrates well with Google Classroom, Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Edmodo, Schoology and more. Students only need access to a device with a camera and microphone. The Flipgrid app makes it super easy for students to access.

Preparation

1. Sign up for a free Flipgrid Admin account and create your grid and first topic. A step-by-step tutorial can be found here. Write down your topic link.
2. Download the Flipgrid app or enter flipgrid.com in your Web browser.
3. Enter the topic link and view the discussion prompt.
4. Select green +Add Response in the app or the round + symbol in your browser to open your camera. Initially, Flipgrip will ask for permission to access your camera and microphone.
5. Press the red camera button to create a video response to your topic. If you are not happy with your recording, you can select the trashcan and try again.
6. Practice with different devices and, if possible, with the devices your students will be using.
7. If your students will be using their Smartphones, will they be able to connect to your school WiFi and will they need a password to get on it? Be sure to check your classroom WiFi and make sure Flipgrid is not blocked at your site.

How-To

1. Introduce your topic and the class assignment.
2. Demonstrate by making the first video response.
3. Survey the class to see how many devices are available. Several different students can use one device. Divide students into groups to work on the assignment; however, you may need to help each group get set up. Background noise in the classroom can be heard on the recording, but it is still easily understood.
4. Give students plenty of time to make their recordings and assist as needed.
5. When everyone has had a chance to record, project the Flipgrid Web site on the board and play the first recording. Unless you pause the recording, it will continue to play the next recording. This first activity is just for fun and is used to familiarize students with the activity. Once students are familiar with the technology, you can assign topics that require more critical thinking skills.

Program Areas

• ASE: High School Diploma

Documents

• Fripgrid Transcript - Transcript of the Flipgrid Video

Subjects

• Science
  • Physical Science
• Social Studies
  • Economics
  • U.S. History
  • World History

Tags

speaking, critical thinking,flipgrid,speech,video,video response