In my tech class, we explored different applications educators can use in the classroom to enhance student engagement and learning. One of my new favourites is an app called Flip Grid. I have yet to use this app with students, but I am excited to implement it in my lessons.

Take a look at this over view of the app

The above YouTube video gives a brief over view of what the app is about. I think it is similar to the Instagram application. For those who are familiar with Instagram, you will know that many students are familiar with this popular social media app. Flip Grid is also popular with students in the classroom and it is safer. Only your students can see what their peers are posting instead of the public. Students can “like” each other’s video posts and comment as well. Flip Grid is like an online classroom where students can share ideas with each other and can always go back to view them again and again.

What I like most about this application is, that you can assess student’s oral communication. As educators, I find that we often assess oral communication for final unit presentations. Assessing oral communication can be very limited and Flip Grid is an alternative for oral communication assessment. Students must remember to speak slowly and clearly, as well as providing information on the topic of discussion.

French is my teachable and I am excited to use this application in a French setting because the possibilities are endless. I vision myself using this app with my students as a way for them to practice their French verbs orally, French conversations between peers (social interaction), an exit card where students can give me their thoughts and opinions in something they have participated in (watched a video, read a passage, etc.). Instead of students writing in their agendas (if you are the digital type and have online agendas/reminders/calendars) have students do a Flip Grid exit card video post of something that they took away from the day, something that surprised them, something that they are looking forward to do in class, etc.

One of my peers said that they used this application during their placement as a way for students to study from one another. Each student made a Flip Grid post that was a study note. Students could access flip grid with a device and internet and watch each other’s posts to study for their test. The test was also based off of the students’ Flip Grid posts to make it fair. This minimizes student excuses, you know the ones: “I lost my planner, I didn’t know when the test was”, “I forgot to bring home my notes”, “I couldn’t study because…” With this being said, make sure you know you students’ families well enough to know if they have internet access and a device for the student to use at home.

 Make sure you know you students’ families well enough to know if they have internet access and a device for the student to use at home.

Most households do have internet access, but it is important that we don’t assume that our students have access to a device to access the internet.

I’m very impressed with this educational tool and I can’t wait to use it in the classroom with my own students. Have you used Flip Grid in your instruction? How? What are some other ways Flip Grid is used in the classroom?