Are you looking for a way to engage your students in discussions asynchronously? Have you tried Flipgrid? Flipgrid is a fun way to stimulate conversation in your class with video instead of text responses. Flipgrid also integrates with Canvas, and is already on the approved list of tools.
You can use Flipgrid to start a conversation about a topic in your class, reflect on learning, or practice speaking skills. Other classmates can respond to posts with text or videos, providing an opportunity for individuals to share what they have learned. Videos can be enhanced with filters and emojis that allow students to share their creative side. Plus, it’s kind of fun and puts a different spin on discussion boards.
Setting Up Flipgrid
I particularly like Flipgrid because it integrates with our Office 365 accounts. When you setup your account, make sure you choose Continue with Microsoft. It should bring you to our sign-on page. Also, because of how I setup this Flipgrid, you won’t be able to see my video unless you have a valid school address. That’s because you can tell Flipgrid to only allow specific email accounts – just make sure you include @vsc.edu.
Go ahead and check out my Flipgrid: https://flipgrid.com/13dab651
Integration with Canvas
Flipgrid also integrates with Canvas, which is pretty spectacular! You do need to setup Integrations for each of your Canvas courses in order to sync a specific board to a specific class. Thankfully, someone made a video on how to do that. Once the integration is set up, you can create assignments using Flipgrid – just make sure your students access Flipgrid through Canvas, so it associates them with the correct account!
Other Choices?
Are there any tools similar to Flipgrid? I bet you could get YuJa to work for video discussions, but man, it’s not as slick. VoiceThread is a popular, similar tool but it’s not integrated with our Canvas accounts. I am all for trying all the things, but I am also for using what we have already. And, if your students are using their Microsoft accounts, you don’t have to worry about a security review – we’ve already okayed it!
Final Thoughts
Check yes, Flipgrid. Get your students talking. Get them sharing and being creative and getting to know one another. Have them submit a video at the beginning of the semester to tell you how to pronounce their name. Have them share something fun or silly. Reflect on learning! Just do it!
