Pixel and Pedagogy
Learning is Fun
Flipgrid
Blackboard
Google Classroom
Flipgrid
https://info.flip.com/en-us.html
Features:
Users can create and participate in video-based discussions.
Respond to prompts with video submissions, fostering engagement.
Provide comments, reactions, and feedback on videos.
Capture screen recordings to enhance presentations.
Organize discussions within customizable grids for specific topics.
Seamlessly integrates with various learning management systems and platforms.
Cost and Services:
Basic features are available for free to users- Paid Subscriptions, offers additional features and functionality through paid subscription plans.
Primarily designed for educational use in classrooms and online learning environments.
Ensure data security and privacy compliance for users, particularly in educational settings.
Pros:
Encourages student engagement through interactive video discussions.
Easy-to-use platform with a user-friendly interface for both educators and students.
Facilitates constructive feedback and peer-to-peer interaction through video responses.
Seamless integration with various educational tools and platforms enhances usability.
Emphasis on data privacy and security to protect user information.
Cons:
Some advanced features may only be available through paid subscription plans.
Initial setup and adoption may require some time for educators to familiarize themselves with the platform.
Relies on a stable internet connections for video uploads and interactions.
Membership:
Flipgrid offers a free version with basic features and paid subscription plans with additional functionality.
Special pricing and features tailored for educational institutions and organizations.
Users can choose the plan that best fits their needs, whether free or paid.
Data and Services:
Allows users to upload, host, and share videos within the platform.
Provides tools for interactive video discussions, feedback, reactions, and responses.
Offers resources, templates, and ideas for educators to enhance teaching and leaning experiences.
Take a Look
Blackboard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMoBGLwvFm0
Blackboard is a popular learning management system (LMS) that provides educational institutions a platform for delivering online courses, managing content, and facilitating communication between educators and students.
Features of Blackboard:
Course management tools for organizing and delivering course materials.
Communication tools like announcements, discussions, and messaging.
Assessment features for creating quizzes, tests, and assignments.
Grade book for tracking student progress and grades.
Collaboration tools for group work and projects.
Mobile app for accessing course materials on-the-go.
Integration with third-party applications and services.
Cost of Services:
The cost of Blackboard varies based on the institution's needs and the number of users. It typically involves an annual licensing fee.
Blackboard provides services such as technical support, training for educators, and regular updates to the platform.
Additional services like data analytics, accessibility tools, and integration support may be available as add-ons.
Pros:
Established platform with a wide range of features for online learning.
User-friendly interface for both educators and students.
Robust assessment and grading tools.
Integration with various learning tools and systems.
Customizable to meet the specific needs of institutions.
Cons:
Some users find the interface to be outdated compared to newer LMS platforms.
Complexity in setting up advanced features can be challenging for new users.
Limited customization options for certain features.
Cost can be prohibitive for smaller institutions or organizations with limited budgets.
Membership Options:
Blackboard primarily caters to institutional clients like schools, colleges, and universities.
Membership options typically involve purchasing a license for a specific number of users or students.
Blackboard may offer pricing plans tailored to the size and needs of the institution.
Data and Services Provided:
Blackboard collects data on student engagement, performance, and interactions within the platform.
Data analytics tools provide insight into student progress and course effectiveness.
Services include hosting course content, user management, security features, and system maintenance.
Take a Look
Google Classroom
https://classroom.google.com/u/0/
Features:
Create, distribute and collect assignments within the platform.
Facilitate communication with students through posts and comments.
Share educational materials like documents, presentations, and links.
Easily grade assignments and provide feedback to students.
Seamlessly integrates with other Google tools like Docs, Sheets, and Drive.
Centralized location for announcements, discussions, and upcoming assignments.
Keep track of due dates, events, and schedules within the classroom.
Cost and Services:
Basic features are available for free to users.
Extensive features are included for educational institutions subscribed to G-Suite for education.
Additional features may be available through paid subscriptions or upgrades.
Pros:
Seamless integration with G-Suite tools for a cohesive digital learning experience.
User-friendly interface that is easy for educators and students to navigate.
Promotes collaboration among students and teachers through shared resources and communication.
Streamlines assignment management, grading, and communication processes.
Accessible from any device with an internet connection, enhancing flexibility for users.
Cons:
Some advanced features may not be as robust as standalone educational platforms.
Limited customization options for classrooms and assignments may be a drawback for some educators.
Concerns about data privacy and security, particularly with user information stored on Google servers.
Users may need time to acclimate to the platform and its features.
Google Classroom provides free membership to users, particularly for educational purposes. It offers a wide range of features and services geared towards streamlining educational workflows, fostering collaboration, and enhancing digital learning experiences. The platform is known for its integration with G-Suite tools, making it convenient for users already familiar with Googles's productivity suite. In terms of data, Google Classroom stores information related to assignments, grades, communication within classes, and user interactions on the platform. It provides a centralized hub for educators to manage their classrooms, distribute resources, assess student progress, and communicate effectively.
SAMR Model
S
Flipgrid allows students to submit video responses instead of written assignments. The technology acts as a direct substitute for traditional text-based submissions.
A
In addition to video responses, Flipgrid enables features like peer feedback and video prompts, enhancing engagement and interactivity compared to standard submission methods.
M
Educators can create interactive discussion threads where students respond to each other's videos, fostering a dynamic dialogue that wouldn't be possible with traditional methods.
R
Flipgrid transforms the classroom experience by enabling global discussions, connecting students with peers in other classrooms or even around the world. This level of interaction allows for collaborative projects based on shared experiences and diverse perspectives.
S
Blackboard provides an online platform for posting assignments and grades, serving as a digital substitute for physical classrooms.
A
Features like real-time announcements, discussion boards, and online quizzes enhance the basic functionality of posting materials and grades, allowing for better communication and assessment.
M
Instructors can implement blended learning models using Blackboard, integrating face-to-face instruction with online components such as multimedia resources, forums, and virtual office hours - modifying the learning experience considerably.
R
Blackboard enables instructors to design fully online courses that utilize adaptive learning strategies, group projects, and comprehensive analytics. This redefines education by making it more accessible and personalized, allowing for diverse learning paths.
S
Google Classroom serves as a digital hub for distributing assignments and collecting student work, replacing paper handouts and physical folders.
A
With integrations like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, students can collaboratively work on projects in real-time, enhancing the quality and efficiency of group assignments over traditional methods.
M
Teachers can implement differentiated instruction by assigning tailored materials and tasks to specific student groups within Google Classroom, modifying how lessons are delivered and assessed based on individual needs.
R
Google Classroom facilitates project-based learning (PBL) and interdisciplinary projects by allowing students to connect with external experts and resources easily. It encourages collaboration beyond the confines of the classroom, engaging students in authentic learning experiences.