Flipgrid and Practice

Video Discussion Boards in Practice: Three Examples

Eric J. Hagan, DeSales University; Angela Sigley Grossman, DeSales University; and Suzanne S. Barnhurst, DeSales University

Abstract:

In this lightning round talk, a marketing instructor, a management instructor and a dance professor will show how they use video-based discussion boards in their courses to meet course objectives and build community in online courses. Two software products will be highlighted: FlipGrid and Practice. Either product may be integrated with any learning management system.

Text-based online courses can be boring and often fail to engage students. Text-based online discussion boards are a useful tool, but often result in students just going through the motions. In addition, many discussion boards do little to build a community feel among learners. Live video conferencing sessions can be great for building community, but detract from the reason most learners enroll in online courses: convenience and schedule flexibility.

Video discussion board products allow students the schedule flexibility they want while still providing the interactivity and human element that helps create a true community of learners. The presenters will share what has worked well for them in their three different academic disciplines.

Tools:

FlipGrid

Flipgrid is a website that allows teachers to create "grids" to facilitate video discussions. Each grid is like a message board where teachers can pose questions, called "topics," and their students can post video responses that appear in a tiled grid display.

Practice

This software is only available on certain LVAIC campuses. Consult your campus instructional technologists regarding whether or not you have access.

Key Terms/Tags:

Video discussion board, live discussion boards, flipped classroom

Directions for FlipGrid:

  1. Visit the FlipGrid website and create an account.
  2. Click the Get Started tab and open your first grid. Enter a Grid Name and select the privacy/grid type. Click Next.
  3. Enter your school’s domain name. Launch your grid.
  4. You can share your grid directly with students or invite collaborators to co-facilitate.
  5. Add topics and begin sharing!

Resources: