In this article, Sabina Mammadova explains how digital tools can be used in Science, Biology, and Chemistry lessons to create enjoyable assignments, boost student engagement and social-emotional learning
I use digital learning tools which can be useful in Science, Biology, and Chemistry lessons, and observe the positive impact on student’s learning process, it helps to make enjoyable assignments and lessons for students. One of them is Flip which is a product of Microsoft. The app is free for use by educators, and students. Teachers can create groups (classrooms), and invite students to these groups. Then educators will be able to add topics into groups and inform students how they can respond to questions, or explain the concept by taking videos. Students from all grades can be assigned a task in Flip on every subject.
In my lessons, I assign 2 topics, one of the topics is related to their subject topic (For example, Natural selection), and another topic is related to the social field as their daily life, hobbies, etc (For example, What three words best describe you? If you were a superhero, what would your name and special powers be?). Usually, I prefer to assign twice-in-month assignments in Flip.
The teacher can identify the topic, questions regarding the lesson, and students’ interests, usually 2–3 questions will be enough for facilitating them and clarifying the requirement for each topic. Every video can be taken for 2 minutes, this is a limit (but you can decrease, or increase the time of videos in advance, I prefer 2 minutes as a standard). Students can change the background of the video, or, add music, animations, gif, presentation, and photos to the videos. They can raise their voice on global environmental, or social problems. I try to watch all videos and write comments on all of them. Their classmates also can add a comment below the video. Flip is helpful in terms of SEL (Social and emotional learning) because students will able to improve social and self-awareness, responsible-decision making, and self-management skills. Students can express their emotions, opinions, and ideas in their videos. They will improve their listening skills by watching videos of their classmates, maybe they make empathy, and it can prevent bullying problems within the classroom.
Another implication of Flip can be realized by reading articlesş Students can read articles that are chosen by the teacher beforehand, 2-3 articles would be enough. Then they can explain what did they learn from these articles, do they agree with the idea in the article, and which surprising moments happened through reading the information. They can take a video in Flip, and respond to all these questions about the article in the video.
The tool gives a platform to students for discussion. The teacher can identify debatable questions on the topic, and students can express their ideas on this issue. It can be related to social, or environmental problems. We can encourage students to explain their ideas in front of people, and it will be helpful to improve their public speaking. The assignment depends on teachers’ creativity and students’ interests.
Flip helps to socialize, strengthen students’ knowledge of a particular subject and improve language and communication skills. If a student explains the topic, it means she understands clearly the concept. They do research and try to put effort into their speech. The preparation of students for speech is remarkable. Another issue is learning by teaching is an extremely effective education method. The Flip gives an opportunity to dig deeply into the topic and explain it to other students, express their feelings, and feel a part of the community.
Educators can apply for being Flip certified Level 1, then one by one pass to another level (Levels 2 and 3). Flip allows teachers to be a community full of inspirational and creative educators. Teachers need to meet with requirements, I am sharing links below for being a Flip-certified educator.
The link for Flip:
Flip-certified Level 1
https://help.flip.com/hc/en-us/articles/360055118553-Flip-Certified-Level-1-Certified-Educator
Flip-certified Level 2
https://help.flip.com/hc/en-us/articles/360055118693-Flip-Certified-Level-2-Certified-Expert
Flip-certified Level 3
https://help.flip.com/hc/en-us/articles/360055118953-Flip-Certified-Level-3-GridGuide
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