“I Feel Like I Know you”

Using Flipgrid in Online Social Work Education

Authors

  • Julia Kleinschmit University of Iowa
  • Elizabeth Rembold Briar Cliff University

Keywords:

Flipgrid, Video discussion, Online education, Research, Diversity, Social justice

Abstract

Online social work educators need tools to reduce social distance between students and instructors. This practice reflection describes the use of Flipgrid, an interactive social learning platform utilising video-based discussion, in online BSW and MSW programs. Instructors of two disparate courses (one focused on research practice and the other focused on dis- crimination, oppression, and diversity) found that Flipgrid shows promise in creating a dialogical learning environment and reducing social distance in the online space. Authors detail both how they used Flipgrid and student responses to the tool. The authors share lessons learned from using Flipgrid, and make recommendations for other teaching applications.

Author Biographies

Julia Kleinschmit , University of Iowa

Clinical Associate Professor, Administrator, Online and Sioux City Part-Time MSW Programs, University of Iowa School of Social Work

Elizabeth Rembold, Briar Cliff University

Assistant Professor of Social Work, Department Chair, Social Work, Briar Cliff University

References

Reflections from social justice educators (pp. 135–150). Stirling, VA: Stylus Publishing.

Bentley, K. J., Secret, M. C., & Cummings, C. R. (2015). The centrality of social presence in online teaching and learning in social work. Journal of Social Work Education, 51(3), 494–504.

Boling, E., Hough, M., Krinsky, H., Saleem, H., & Stevens, M. (2012). Cutting the distance in distance education: Perspectives on what promotes positive, online learning experiences. Internet and Higher Education, 15(2), 118–126. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2011.11.006

Clark, C., Strudler, N., & Grove, K. (2015). Comparing asynchronous and synchronous video vs. text based discussions in an online teacher education course. Online Learning, 19(3), 48–69.

Forgey, M., & Ortega-Williams, A. (2016). Effectively teaching practice online: Moving beyond can to how. Advances in Social Work, 17(1), 59–77.

Garavan, M. (2013). Dialogical practice in social work: Towards a renewed humanistic method. Journal of Social Intervention: Theory and Practice, 22(1), 4–20.

Harder, J. (2010). Overcoming MSW students’ reluctance to engage in research. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 30(2), 195–209.

Militello, M., Tredway, L., & Jones, K. (2018). A reimagined EdD: Participatory, progressive online pedagogy. In J. Keengwe (Ed.), Handbook of research on blended learning pedagogies and professional development in higher education (pp. 214–243). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.

Sage, T. (2018, June 4). Incorporating Flipgrid into the social work classroom: Tips for #SocWorkEd [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://www.laureliversonhitchcock.org/2018/06/04/incorporating-flipgrid-into-the-social-work-classroom-tips-for-socworked/

West, R. E., Jay, J., Armstrong, M., & Borup, J. (2017). “Picturing them right in front of me”: Guidelines for implementing video communication in online and blended learning. TechTrends, 61(5), 461–469.

Downloads

Published

2020-03-01