Category: flipgrid

Flip Your Content in 90 seconds?

As a society, we are obsessed with consuming and creating content in short videos. As a digital learning specialist, I am wondering if we are reaching our learners and those that support our learners in the most effective way. Do we need to start thinking differently with how we present information? How can we do this in a safe manner that is efficient?

I co-teach a couple of graduate level courses for educators, and decided to start exploring alternatives to using TikTok. (Yes, our high school students are using the tool daily. Some of our teachers also use the tool for their own purposes or personal interests.) I decided to create a TikTok like video with Flip, using the mobile app. I have to be honest, I have been using Flip for years now, but I have not really focused much of my attention with the mobile app. While you don’t get all of the filters, songs and features that TikTok has to offer, Flip does do a good job in helping content creators make TikTok like videos.

Below are the norms from the class. You decide which you would prefer to interact or consume with:

Visual/Auditory Example: I decided to create a short video highlighting the class norms for the course I taught. In less than 90 seconds, students were able to understand what was expected of them in class. Click HERE to view the Flip video or click HERE to view on YouTube.

Traditional Google Doc Example: Below is a screenshot of what the Google Doc looked like that was posted in Google Classroom.

Image of Google Doc Format

Some advantages:

  • One could argue that a video is more engaging than reading a list off of a google document
  • Ability to add humor or show some creativity
  • Mimics similar style videos students and parents are viewing on social media apps
  • Flip is a safe space where students (and teachers) can create without needing a ‘TikTok’ account
  • Eliminates a user name on the video (as seen on TikTok videos)
  • In less than 90 seconds, students were able to understand what was expected of them in class.

Some issues:

  • It could take way more time creating a 90 second video instead of typing a list in a google doc
  • Not all creators enjoy hearing their voice in play back in class
  • Not all creators are willing to use their own personal mobile device to make a video (mobile app)

I enjoyed exploring around with this idea. I plan to continue making similar style videos when I need to share out content with students this year. Perhaps we will get more students paying attention to information being shared with them? Perhaps not. Only time will tell.

If you yourself have been exploring around with this format, I would love to hear from you. And that is my Spiel…

Flipgrid: Collaboration Between Two Schools

For about 6 or 7 years now, high school students have collaborated with one of the elementary schools in town, Peter Woodbury Elementary School. In particular, Mr. Pepper’s World Religions class has worked with students from kindergarten to second grade. Both classes have actually had the opportunity to visit each other’s schools to complete the collaboration project. Every year, the project has consisted of using technology by creating digital stories from high school skits, relating to a particular theme.

Continue reading “Flipgrid: Collaboration Between Two Schools”

Challenge Yourself this School Year


The beginning of another school year is among us. As I write this blog post I am realizing that I myself have been in the education field now for fifteen years. It is amazing how fast time flies when you are having fun.

One of my favorite quotes, that I have referenced throughout those fifteen years, is from John Dewey, “If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.“
To me, this is a great reminder that it is always important for educators to constantly reflect on their work and make improvements/enhancements when necessary. So, I ask you “How will you challenge yourself this school year to grow professionally and/or improve or enhance a lesson?”
Will you…
  • use Google Classroom for the first time to help with organizing and streamlining information relating to your class?
  • allow students to view content in a virtual format through virtual reality headsets?
  • ask a guest speaker to Hangout out with your class virtually, or better yet use the record feature in YouTube Live so that multiple classes can benefit from the conversation?
  • implement a hyperdoc in a unit lesson to allow students to explore and share their ideas to a broader audience other than you as the teacher?
  • join Twitter for the first time as a means to grow professionally by following other educators with similar interests/ideas?
  • inspire others in your professional learning community (PLC) to try something new?

Let’s Inspire Each Other
I have created a Flipgrid topic so that we can all inspire each other. Click HERE to share how you plan on challenging yourself this year. My hope is that we can all learn from each other in what our own goals/aspirations are for this coming school year.
Only you will know what makes the most sense, but all that I ask is that you push yourself in some way. No task is small task. If you would like to chat about how you can accomplish your challenge that you have given yourself, you know where to find me.
And that is my spiel…