Using Flipgrid as a tool for debriefing professional development

Below is an email I sent this morning to staff at both LG and Saratoga.  I'm trying to get teachers to use Flipgrid not just in their classroom, but as a way of sharing out after going to a professional development.  Here's why: 

• Most of the time, if we go to even an average conference or PD day, we are the sole beneficiary.  Perhaps we share at lunch with colleagues, or even send a department email. For the most part, the learning stays locked within us. This is a lost opportunity

• Most conferences, you walk away with 1 takeaway or tool (#1CoolThing) Why not share that with others? It should only take a couple minutes. The effort is minimal, but the return can be huge.

• PD is expensive.  Sometimes districts balk at sending staff to expensive trainings.  If we can create an archive of teachers sharing what they gained from a PD or conference, then we will have a greater likelihood of getting funding in the future.   

• This creates a culture of collaboration and innovation because teachers are not only sharing new learning, but they can also respond to each other or follow up in person.  

Here's the email:

Happy Monday everyone.  I hope you had a nice weekend.

Following up on the newsletter last week, here are 3 quick things following up on the featured tool, Flipgrid.

1.  Did you just go to a conference? I know several have lately.  Please share 1 thing you learned from the conference in this topic on Flipgrid. Help colleagues learn from your experience. This also helps us justify future PD/Conferences.  Click the link, log in with you school account. Click the "+" sign and record a quick video.

  https://flipgrid.com/9dd69a0a

2.  Want to try Flipgrid just to see what it's all about before trying it with students? Click this link:

https://flipgrid.com/5906e9ec

3. Flipgrid shared this fantastic guide on Twitter outlining all things Flipgrid from basic to advanced.  It's a really well organized guide.

Flipgrid could be used down the stretch as a review tool. Get students talking about concepts from the semester.  Let me know if you do try it. I have some nifty Flipgrid stickers for you...

I know we all have a lot on our plate, so if this is too much, no worries. Do what you need to do and take care of yourself.

Kristofer