Integration of the Video Response App FlipGrid in the Business Writing Classroom

Abstract

In business English writing classes, second language learners can be reticent to speak about their writings. To combat this and give students more opportunities to practice speaking and allow instructors the ability to measure the engagement, a video capture tool is needed that will enable students to have conversations asynchronously and produce the language vocally outside of class. Recently a tool was developed where speaking tasks can be created using a video response service called FlipGrid. This web-based educational technology tool gives instructors the means to help students increase their productive language skills by increasing the time students spend speaking outside class, with the added accountability of video. Both spontaneous and planned vocal practice assignments can be created with this tool resulting in more student engagement and speaking practice. This paper discusses the need and rationale for using the service and shares the results of a class evaluation after implementing the video capture tool in a business writing class. The assessment discovered that students found the tool easy to use and noticed increases with both their perceived time speaking English between classes and their perceived Englishspeaking confidence.

Flipgrid: Students’ Perceptions of its Advantages and Disadvantages in the Language Classroom

“…Most of the participants (53%) also agreed or strongly agreed that FG helped develop their confidence in their speaking skills (M=3.3). These results are in line withMcLain's (2018) findings which indicated that 42.9% of English language learners in a business writing class felt more confident speaking English because of using FG. In addition, half of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that FG helped them better relate to their classmates (M=3.6) (see Table2).…”

“…Similarly, McLain (2018) found it to be an effective learning tool for students in Business English Writing classes. Students in his study reported that FG was easy to use and that it allowed them to engage in more language practice from home.…”

The Influences of the Flipgrid App on Vietnamese Efl High School Learners’ Speaking Anxiety

“…By having a non-threatening learning environment, students will become more comfortable in venturing the target language (Sun, 2009). In the line with Sun (2009), Tan (2019) reported that Flipgrid utilizes asynchronous videos recorded by learners, giving the learners much time they need to practice speaking without the tension of having to give an immediate response (Mclain, 2018). The author highlighted that Flipgrid is a powerful tool that may bring the back-row learners to the front of the class and provides every student an opportunity to speak without the anxiety of being in front of the class.…”

Student perceptions on the benefits of Flipgrid in a HyFlex learning environment

“…Flipgrid use has been found to have significant potential with language skill development in an authentic setting (Dettinger, 2018). McLain (2018) found Flipgrid increased student confidence in an English-based business writing course. Speaking time, collaboration, student confidence, and pronunciation are all language skills Flipgrid use could potentially benefit.…”