Using Flip (formerly Flipgrid) with Canvas

This post was updated 8/9/2023 with updated documentation and links.

What is Flip?

At its most basic, Flip is a video tool that allows teachers to post “Topics” that are essentially videos with some accompanying text. This is then shared with students, who can be prompted to respond.

The response can be made using the software’s camera to create videos that are then posted to the original Topic. These videos can be recorded as many times as needed before uploading, and can have the addition of emoji, text, stickers, drawings, or custom stickers.

The service works online so it can be accessed via web browser from nearly any device, or using the app, making it good for laptops, tablets, smartphones, Chromebooks, and desktop computers. Flip is free to use and can be accessed using a Microsoft account. (Flipgrid has been rebranded by Microsoft as “Flip” but it is still the same tool!)

Why use Flip in your Class?

One of the best parts about Flip is the ability to interact using video, like face to face in the real world, but without the pressure of a live classroom. Since students are given the space and time to respond when they’re ready, it makes educational engagement possible even for students who might ordinarily feel left out in class.

The ability to add rich media allows students to be creative and, potentially more importantly, expressive. By adding emoji, text, and stickers, students can engage with class content as they might interact with friends using social media platforms.

This aspect can help students feel less apprehensive and more empowered to express themselves openly, engaging more deeply with the task. Ultimately, that should result in deeper learning and better content recall.

Ideas for engaging with higher education students!

• Class discussions. Many educators create a Flip discussion prompt for any time they would normally engage their class in a discussion. Flipgrid provides a way for learners to share their ideas and reflections on their own schedule. And it allows educators to see and hear from students who normally would not share in class.

• Student presentations. In Flip, you control the maximum length of your students videos, anywhere from 15 second elevator pitches to 10 minute presentations. If you would normally devote a full class (or multiple classes) to student presentations, instead create a Flipgrid Topic prompt. If you’d like, you can turn on “Video Moderation” in the Topic settings, so that students will not see each other’s videos until you make have reviewed them.

• Conduct project overviews and reflection. Ask learners to summarize a class project. Peers and instructors can respond to their videos with feedback and ideas.

• Field-based learning. When students download the free iOS or Android app, they can document their hands-on learning anytime, anywhere.

• “Office hours.” Allow students to reach out with questions any time and respond with a video when it’s convenient for you.

 

How to Set Up and Use Flip as a Teacher in Canvas

Setting up and configuring Flip for use in a Canvas course requires a few steps, but should not take too long, especially once you get used to using Flip.
Setup Flip in Canvas

How to Use Flip as a Student in Canvas

Getting Started for Students

Adding Video and Text Comments

Students can participate with their smartphone and the Canvas Student app (Android, Apple) and Flip app (Android, Apple) installed:

 

Other Flip Options: Accessibility, Captions, and Email Notifications

By default, all new Topics have Closed Captions turned on. Educators can edit closed captions and add closed captions to videos without audio within their educator account.

More on Captioning and Accessibility in Flip

Flip helps you easily follow the activity in your groups, topics, and videos with notifications. To manage your email notifications, see the instructions below:

More information on managing Email Notifications and Activity Stream