Utilising the video discussion platform Flipgrid to empower and develop ESOL learners’ language development in speaking and listening.
Flipgrid, a collaborative online video discussion platform, was chosen to support empowering learners through their own voice.
The development of digital educational tools has allowed teachers to explore and utilise a variety of digital technology to meet the needs of their learners. Flipgrid, which is a collaborative online video discussion platform, was chosen as it focusses on empowering learners through their own voice. In addition, it allows teachers to set tasks which relate to their daily lives. The interface is similar to most social media tools and be easily operated by anyone who has a smartphone. In the next academic year, the ESOL department intends to utilise Flipgrid for the whole department and workshops will be set up for other departments and support provided to embed its use. The project team found that Flipgrid is a collaborative video discussion tool which supports asynchronous learning. It has fostered an enjoyable social learning environment which benefited learners of all abilities.
OTLA 8
4. Be creative and innovative in selecting and adapting strategies to help learners to learn - The project used educational technology to support and develop teaching, learning and assessment. It made use of existing technology (smartphones) which learners had access to and were confident and familiar using. Flipgrid is a free app and website which can be downloaded. Learners can create their own accounts and sign in. It works well with common software such as MS Office which is widely used in academic institutions.
13. Motivate and inspire learners to promote achievement and develop their skills to enable progression - This project developed learners’ speaking skills through the use of Flipgrid on a regular basis. Learners used the app frequently so became familiar and confident with it. They reflected on the Flipgrid recordings which had been uploaded and shared their ideas on how to improve. They also compared their first Flipgrid recording with their final recording and reflected on their progression. This allowed them to explore their progression and achievements, which in turn motivated them to do more.
15. Promote the benefits of technology and support learners in its use - Learners need digital skills to complete everyday tasks, access employment, communicate and study. Flipgrid is a simple way to promote these. It is free, easy to use, secure and private. Learners can practise recording audio and video in a supportive and or comfortable environment. It gave them the confidence to use similar apps and record audio and video. It also promoted language acquisition and appropriate and effective language use.