In order to engage online students, FlipGrid was used in place of one-dimensional text-based discussion boards. Flip Grid is a web-based video discussion platform that allows meaningful collaboration in an online environment. During this interactive presentation, FlipGrid will be explained and participants will be able to try it out!
Online learning can be isolating for students who often state that they prefer interacting with classmates and faculty. Using the Community of Inquiry (CoI) model developed by Garrison, Anderson, and Archer (2000) faculty searched for a way to engage students and faculty as “real” people. In lieu of one-dimensional text-based discussion boards, FlipGrid was initiated. Flip Grid is a web-based video discussion platform that allows meaningful collaboration in an online environment. Students respond to a text-based or video question posed by faculty. Brief videos to which students respond can also be uploaded to FlipGrid. FlipGrid is incredibly easy to use and students don’t need to create an account. Students are given a FlipGrid code and using their computer or smartphone, they open FlipGrid, record their video response, take a selfie and submit. Students can then respond to their peers through video messages. Online students have commented that by using FlipGrid they feel more connected to their peers and genuinely enjoyed using the tool! During this interactive presentation, FlipGrid will be explained and demonstrated. Additionally, participants will engage in a discussion about different uses for this tool and be able to test it out!