FLIP from Microsoft (formerly known as FLIPGRID) has been one of my favourite tools for years. It is all about social learning and multimodality (the use of several modes in communication such as text, speech, visuals, sound, movement, gesture, gaze, etc.). Flip offers collaborative grids where videos can be uploaded by students in response to a question or as part of a task. This makes each student's video visible to other members of the community, who can also respond. Thus, meaningful learning can take place through collaborative interactions within the community among its members where the interactions themselves form part of the learning (Lave & Wenger, 1991).
Why encourage multimodality in learning?
For one thing, communication is multimodal by nature. For another thing, in a technologically-enhanced world the literacy demands and opportunities extend beyond reading and writing (Spires et al. 2019). Moreover, we learn more deeply from words and visual representations together when combined effectively (Mayer, 2005). In fact, the use of two separate channels allows students to go through the process of making multiple models to really understand the material.
What to use FLIP for?
FLIP can serve a variety of purposes, which are all aligned with the implementation of a 21st century pedagogical approach.
It can be used to build community at the beginning of the year, getting to know each other activities, vocabulary walls, practice of oral and argumentation skills, sharing of products and presentations, show and tell, reading aloud activities, reflection on learning processes, breaking down classroom walls through virtual exchanges, book reports, inquiry-based learning, for lab experiments at home, and so much more.
How to create an activity and use FLIP in class?
Lately new changes have been introduced and it is now even better. Click on the link HERE or see below for an UPDATED how-to guide for teachers: