Flipgrid is an online video discussion platform that allows students and teachers to share study materials and collaborate, similar to Google Classroom. With Flipgrid, teachers can create “grids” to facilitate video discussions. Each grid functions like an online message board where teachers can post questions (“topics”) for students to respond to with video replies.
Integrating Google Slides presentations into Flipgrid grids is an excellent way for teachers to enhance lessons and student engagement. This guide will walk you through the process of adding Google Slides to Flipgrid step-by-step.
Benefits of Adding Google Slides to Flipgrid
Here are some of the key benefits of combining Google Slides and Flipgrid:
- Present slides seamlessly while recording video replies
- Engage students with multimedia lessons
- Showcase student slide presentations
- Promote creativity and public speaking skills
- Easy to set up and use
Step 1: Set Up a Flipgrid Account
If you don’t already have a Flipgrid account, go to Flipgrid.com and click “Login” if you have an account or “Sign up” to create a new one. You can sign in with Microsoft, Google, or Apple.
Once logged in, you’ll be prompted to set up your educator account by entering some basic details about yourself and your institution.
Step 2: Create a Flipgrid Grid
A Flipgrid grid functions as a message board for a class or group. To create one:
- Click on the “+” icon to add a new grid
- Give the grid a name
- Customize additional details like video length, permissions, etc.
- Click “Create”
You can create multiple grids for different classes, groups, or topics.
Step 3: Create a Flipgrid Topic
Each grid contains topics that pose a question or discussion prompt for students. To add a topic:
- Open the grid
- Click the “+” icon to add a new topic
- Enter a title and question/prompt
- Customize additional settings as needed
- Click “Save”
Add multiple topics to allow students to submit several video replies.
Step 4: Open Flipgrid and Google Slides Side-by-Side
This step is essential! You’ll need to have both Flipgrid and Google Slides open side-by-side to integrate them.
There are a few ways to do this:
- Open two browser tabs, one for each platform
- Use split-screen mode on a tablet
- Display one platform on a tablet and one on a computer
Position the windows so you can see both simultaneously.
Step 5: Start Recording in Flipgrid
With your newly created topic open, click the “Record” button to start recording a video reply.
In the pop-up window, you’ll see various recording options. Make sure “Record screen” is selected to capture your Google Slides presentation.
Step 6: Share Your Google Slides
Click over to your Google Slides tab. Open the presentation you want to show in your Flipgrid video.
Go through the slides like normal, explaining each one while Flipgrid records your screen. The presentation will be captured just like a screencast.
Step 7: Finish Recording and Post
Once finished presenting the Google Slides, stop the screen recording and end the video as you normally would in Flipgrid.
You may want to review the replay and use Flipgrid’s editing tools to trim the beginning/end, add stickers and text, etc.
When you’re happy with the final video, click “Post” to publish it to the grid topic. Students can now view your presentation and respond.
Recap and Tips
Integrating Google Slides into Flipgrid only takes a few simple steps:
- Set up Flipgrid account and grids
- Open Flipgrid and Slides side-by-side
- Start screen recording in Flipgrid
- Present slides in Google Slides
- Edit and post video
Here are some additional tips:
- Practice the process before recording your final video
- Use tablet split-screen mode for easy visibility
- Script your narration first for clarity
- Check audio and visual quality before posting publicly
The ability to combine Google Slides and Flipgrid creates many engaging, multimedia lesson opportunities. With this simple tutorial, you’ll be on your way to incorporating the two platforms seamlessly.