WEEK 3: Software Tools for Student Reflection - Flipgrid and Class Dojo Digital Portfolios

In this Blog post I share about two software tools I have had significant experience with. Both offer great ways for students to reflect on learning and for teachers to give feedback. 

Flipgrid

Flipgrid is an online video response tool where teachers create discussion topics for students to respond to by providing them with a a Grid Code.  The tool can facilitate online discussion through video replies. Some added features are the ability for teachers to create custom rubrics for their topics and the transcript of audio for added accessibility. Settings allow teachers to control the length of video responses and a range of other aspects. Teachers also have the option of keeping videos completely private, which adds another layer of potential. 

Flipgrid promotes the platform in claiming that it gives every student voice in the classroom (see video below), making learning social and adding a personal element to online discussions (Green & Green, 2018). It taps into social media culture and feels similar to how you might use Snapchat, Instagram or similar platforms, which is naturally appealing to students. 

The platform is a great tool for facilitating reflective learning and formative assessment. Children can upload videos from their device, which also makes it a great tool for collecting summative assessment items. Some examples of our use this year include:

• Exit tickets
• Class Debate or opinion topics
• Classroom voting
• Book chats or reflections/ reviews
• Demonstrations of learning (video)
• Reflections of teacher feedback and on learning 
• Goal setting

McClure and McAndrews (2016) sums up the benefits of Flipgrid in saying:

"Flipgrid acts as a compliment and an alternative avenue for reflections and synthesizing thoughts. In addition, it helps students begin to hone their public speaking skills without having to stand in front of the entire class. Flipgrid is low stakes, as students are able to practice with the technology and provides a platform for reserved students to have a voice in the overall conversation of the class."

Source: http://blog.flipgrid.com/news/gridpals

One of the great things classrooms can do is share a grid with another class in the world. This is known as having a Gridpal. This year classes from Year 4-6 at my school had international Gridpals which has been the most rewarding experience for the students. The children collaborated on a number of topics created by myself and the classroom teachers. Students were motivated to participate and loved getting responses from their Gridpals.  

Example from a personal grid with Year 5 students. In this image, you can see student videos and responses from their Gridpals.

Class Dojo Digital Portfolios

Class Dojo offers a suite of classroom tools for teachers, one of which is Digital Portfolios. This tool allows students to share their learning with their teacher and parents. Students access their class by scanning a QR Code. This works across devices, as long as they have a camera.

Similar to Seesaw, the platform allows students to add photos or videos, create a drawing or write journal entries. the added functionality of voice recording means that even the youngest learners can share their work. Teachers control the content, by approving posts before they go live and can give feedback through comments or voice response. Parents can also give praise and feedback to their child. 

Source: https://www.classdojo.com/studentstories/

Source: https://www.classdojo.com/studentstories/

Within a classroom, teachers can set up portfolios for different subject areas and set tasks for students to complete. The work posted follows them as the progress through different year levels, creating a learning journey. 

This tool, like Flipgrid, facilitates reflective learning and is fantastic way of building up evidence that is very useful come assessment time. Madden (2018) noted the benefits of using student posts on Class Dojo Digital Portfolios as evidence of their progress toward a mastered skill and a way to inform teaching. We have found it invaluable in tracking student progress in Project Based Learning units. The connection this tool forms between school and home is one of this platforms most overlooked qualities. 

References:

Green, T., & Green, J. (2018). Flipgrid: Adding Voice and Video to Online Discussions. TechTrends, 62(1), 128-130.

​Madden, J. (2018). Feeding Forward. School Reform: Case Studies in Teaching Improvement, 192.

McClure, C., & McAndrews, L. (2016). Going native to reach the digital natives: New technologies for the classroom.

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