Giving Your Students Voice in the Classroom

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Happy Friday!
This is a little longer post since we will be out next Friday. I'm going to make an effort next weekend to "unplug" As passionate as I am about using technology with our students I really think it is important to  make time to unplug from being in front of screens.
   One of my favorite tool for all students in grades K-12  is FlipGrid.  FlipGrid is a  free tool where students can  create video response. Teachers will need to sign up for a free account. Students will not have to ever to sign up.  I think this is a valuable tool because students are creating something with technology and sharing their voice.  All of these video comments are placed in a Grid and students can view each others comments.
Flipgrid.com
   So, for example, let's say that our students have recently finished a math problem or have just read a book.  Students can go the flipgrid link and leave a video response talking about HOW they solved the problem or WHY they agreed or disagreed with the book.  What's so great about FlipGrid is that it is collaborative.  Maybe my class is reading a book and I want all of my students to share their thoughts about it with a larger audience. You could share your link with anyone in the world (perhaps another classroom, or book author). These students could have ongoing conversation.  I've seen this tool succesffuly implemented with only 1 device in the classroom. I could use one computer as a center and have the students rotate through and record their thoughts.   HERE is a great blog post from one of my Edtech Heros Matt Miller about all the different ways that you could possibly use this tool.   Also, I created a flipgrid and asked the question "What are some of the ways you are using Flipgrid"  Put the link on Twitter and as of the writing of this blogpost already have a response from a teacher in a different State.  You can see or Add to it here.  Here are a couple of short videos that will help introduce and  setup this tool




Please let me know if you have questions. Have a great weekend

Take Care,
Clint

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