The Power of Communication

Words are powerful! Communication is powerful! Communication is one of the essential skills students need to be successful in the 21st Century. Flipgrid provides a platform where students can amplify their voice and share their thoughts and insight on a variety of topics. With Flipgrid, students are able to create video responses to prompts, reflect on learning, and demonstrate an understanding of various concepts.

As an Instructional Technologist in my school district, I provide professional development sessions on effective ways to integrate technology into the curriculum. I also model and co-teach technology integrated lessons, so teachers can see practical examples of how they can implement technology-enhanced activities within their classroom. One Third Grade teacher and I met during her planning period to plan an activity for the standard she was working on in English Language Arts (SCCCR 3-RI.7.1: Compare and contrast diverse texts on the same topic, idea, or concept). I shared with her how her students could compare and contrast bats from multiple texts they have already read, and provide their responses on Flipgrid. She was intrigued and asked if I could co-teach the lesson with her. During the lesson, student engagement levels were high. The students thoroughly enjoyed the activity.

Another way I have utilized Flipgrid to amplify student voice was by organizing a Global Collaboration Day project. For my #globaled17 project, I created a topic per grade level in Flipgrid for K-5th grade students to share the importance of being a good digital citizen. My hopes were for as many students in various geographic locations to connect on Flipgrid. There were a total of 247 video responses recorded for my Global Collaboration Day project. The students enjoyed sharing and viewing their peers’ videos.

Global Collaboration Day Flyer with links to the topics and student examples on Flipgrid: goo.gl/Pknh82

In addition, I recently implemented a December Tech Bus Challenge with students where they had to name a person they would give thanks to at their school, and provide reasons why they want to thank that person. The students recorded their video responses while on the school bus. Yes, you read correctly! Students used Flipgrid while on the school bus. Within my district, students in the rural areas have access to WiFi on the school bus. This is a part of the Rolling Study Hall initiative my district partnered with Google to provide. Every month, students have different tech challenges to complete, in addition to working on homework and other items while on the school bus. Students who successfully completed the December Tech Challenge earned this badge: goo.gl/19zTCF.   

Student Example from the December Tech Bus Challenge:

• Link: https://flipgrid.com/b17508

As you can see, the possibilities are endless on how Flipgrid can be used. If you want to see more examples, follow Flipgrid on social media and check out the hashtag #FlipgridFever. Want to try Flipgrid Classroom for free? You can use the code LEVINE to receive free access to Flipgrid Classroom for 45 days.

 

 

Jessica Levine
Instructional Technologist
South Carolina
@SCTechJess 

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