If, like me, you are a huge user of online learning and collaborative tools, there’s a high chance you’ve heard of or used Flipgrid.
It is a free Microsoft learning tool that allows educators and students to create short videos about topics discussed.
While this tool fosters a friendly learning environment and is easy to use, there’s no denying that variety is sometimes needed. I’m still a huge fan of Flipgrid, but I decided to try out other tools that provide similar services and I came up with a useful list.
In this article, I’ve reviewed 15 extremely innovative learning tools that can be used as alternatives to Flipgrid.
The Best Flipgrid Alternatives I Recommend
1. Google Classroom
Google Classroom is a free, easily accessible learning platform that works by allowing teachers and students to discuss learning topics and share files among themselves.
One of the reasons why this tool is easily a top choice is how it incorporates other Google tools like Google Docs, Meet, Sheets, and even Slides in the learning process. As a teacher, creating assignments, setting deadlines, attaching useful files, and grading these assignments can be done easily and in a few minutes.
Students can also submit their assignments via their classroom folder which is already linked to Google Drive, a cloud-based storage system. That way, every single file and document used in the classroom is secure.
Comments can also be shared among teachers and students to further make the whole learning process easier.
There isn’t much difference between Google Classroom and Flipgrid as Google Classroom is free and allows for voice and video recording once you incorporate Google Meet into your classroom.
The only difference is that Flipgrid doesn’t integrate Google Suites apps since it’s a Microsoft tool. Users can access Google Classroom either via the website or mobile app and it is available for both Android and iOS devices.
You simply have to sign in with an email address and choose to join or create a class.
2. Zoom
Zoom is another innovative learning tool that can be used in place of Flipgrid. It is a video conferencing tool that works by allowing users, whether teachers or students, to create and join online meeting ‘rooms’ which can either be a virtual class or just a discussion group.
As a teacher, you can create a group, share the password with the group, and invite students to join the meeting room. Both teachers and students can share their screens where necessary, as well as share important documents in the meeting room.
The most interesting part is that there is a text chat feature that allows users to chat publicly or privately with other members of the group. Just like Flipgrid, using this learning tool is free with just a few differences and one being that Flipgrid doesn’t have a text chat function.
That is, while its users can drop a text response, Flipgrid doesn’t allow users to chat in meeting groups. Accessing this app is very easy as all you need to do is sign up via its official website or by using the mobile application.
Zoom works on almost any device including Android phones, iPhones, PC, MacBooks, tablets, and even iPads.
3. Kami
Another Flipgrid alternative worthy of mention Is Kami. It is an online learning tool that acts as a support for teachers and students to help streamline the learning process.
It works by allowing users, especially teachers, to transform the learning process by using its tools to create interactive images, documents, and highly interactive learning materials.
Teachers and students can interact and engage themselves with helpful accessibility tools that allow for voice and video comments like Text to Speech and Speech to Text, freehand drawing, and even voice-typing.
In addition to that, teachers can share feedback with students via the tool’s annotation bank which allows them to create notes, voice recordings, and leave comments on a student’s assignment.
There’s almost no difference between Flipgrid and Kami in terms of service rendered except that Kami offers more useful features for students and teachers compared to Flipgrid. Also, Kami isn’t a free learning tool, although there is a free version that users can use.
Lastly, users can access Kami straight from their Chrome browser.
4. Seesaw
Seesaw is yet another learning tool like Flipgrid worthy of mention. It is a collaborative learning tool that works by allowing teachers, students, and even families to participate in the learning process.
Teachers can create tasks and share files with students, who in turn can make use of the platform’s tool to record videos, send images, and even draw in response to tasks set by the teacher.
Because the tool is primarily for elementary students, parents are kept in the loop as they can have access to their child’s portfolio by downloading a zip file of this portfolio to their computer for easy access at any time.
One thing to like about Seesaw is that teachers can easily point out areas students need development on as well as where their strengths lie. Students on the other hand are very free to showcase their skills via the tool’s interactive features for a better and easier learning process.
The most intriguing part is that it saves a lot of time for both student and teacher as parents are always in the know about their child’s academic performance.
Unlike Flipgrid that’s mainly for students and teachers, Seesaw also allows external members (in this case families) to have access to their children’s learning files.
However, both are free apps to use if you’re a teacher or family signing in. A premium version is available for schools and costs $120 a year. Seesaw is available as a mobile app for both iOS and Android users.
5. Classcraft
If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to engage your students, then Classcraft is a great alternative.
It is an online learning game that involves role-playing among teachers and students to learn useful skills/behavior especially teamwork and improve learning outcomes.
Classcraft works by allowing teachers to create a game out of lesson plans through the invention of a character for every student which will be their identity all through the game.
With every progress made, students receive an Experience Point and if the students earn more Experience Points than fails, then they’re rewarded in the game and reality (if you’re looking to boost their enthusiasm and confidence). Just like winning has its rewards, losing also bears consequences.
Classcraft is easily a popular choice because it engages students in a manner they understand, especially for younger ones. Sometimes, lectures don’t always cut it, hence a more engaging method is needed, and in this case, Classcraft.
This learning platform is very different from Flipgrid as it is in the form of a game rather than an actual learning platform. However, both are free tools to use as a teacher/student although there’s a premium version that’s available if you ever need to upgrade.
To access this tool you simply have to sign up via its website or mobile app by inputting your email address. Classcraft is available as a mobile app for both Android and iOS users.
6. Slack
Contrary to what many think, Slack isn’t just for business or corporate professionals. It also works as an innovative learning and task-management tool for teachers and students.
Slack is an online platform that allows teachers to engage their students via virtual lectures, meetings, and discussion groups. As a teacher, you can easily share learning resources among different groups of students and properly manage all projects seamlessly.
Students can also share and receive files, share comments, and even stay informed about what’s happening on campus via various private and public channels.
I like Slack because of its ease of use for teachers as you can create special channels for each project or class you’re handling and send specific information to any of these channels.
Another amazing thing about this app is that you can integrate it with over 1,500 apps, share screens, video chat, and generally collaborate with your students on a more personal level.
Although the similarities between Slack and Flipgrid are greater than their differences, Slack is a lot more fun and inclusive than Flipgrid as students can also create their interest or discussion channels. Slack also has a free plan including paid versions that you can upgrade to if you desire.
The app is available as a mobile app for Android and iOS devices and signing up is easy. Simply add your email address, check for a confirmation email, and you’re good to go.
Explore the best open-source alternatives to Slack in this post.
7. Kahoot!
Kahoot is almost similar to Classcraft in the sense that they’re both educational games teachers can incorporate into the learning process.
It is a cloud-based quiz tool in which a teacher creates a game called Kahoot based on new lesson topics and shares the game with your students.
You can add images and other media where possible. Aside from that, there are millions of already-created games to choose from.
Usually played in a group setting, you simply have to create the game and share the pin with your students who then answer or solve the questions on their own as the questions are displayed on a shared screen.
You can also assign these Kahoot games to students as some form of assignment that they have to solve at their own pace individually.
Kahoot is a nice learning game to incorporate because it makes the whole teaching a lot better as you can introduce your topics in fun and engaging ways that’ll leave a lasting impression on your students.
In the end, you can compile data from these Kahoot games and form an assessment of your students based on their wins and losses.
Although both are learning and collaborative tools, Kahoot is different from Flipgrid as it works as a quiz system rather than a ‘traditional’ online teaching platform.
It is free and requires just an email address or Google account to sign in. There’s a mobile app available for Android and iOS users.
8. WeVideo
As the name implies, WeVideo is a video-based learning tool that focuses mainly on video editing. It is also cloud-based and allows for collaboration between teacher and student as they can share video files and work on each one together.
If you’re wondering how WeVideo works with classroom learning, this video platform works by allowing users to record, view, and edit video footage. That way, you can teach students how to edit and present school video projects creatively and professionally.
WeVideo has two editing modes for students which are the simplified and full-featured editor mode.
As much as Flipgrid and WeVideo are e-learning platforms, WeVideo is a bit different as it focuses on teaching video editing skills and videography to interested students. Users can access this tool by signing up via their official website or app.
All it requires is your first name, last name, email, and password, or simply sign up via your Google account. You can decide to opt for a free or paid account. You can download the mobile app if you want to use it on the go and it is available for Android and iOS devices.
9. Padlet
Padlet is a unique e-learning collaborative tool like Flipgrid that works just like a physical noticeboard. That is, teachers and students can always post meaningful notes to a common page where every member can view them.
These notes can contain images, videos, document or file attachments, and useful links. As a moderator or teacher, you can decide to create one or multiple pages where you can share all of your posts easily.
Since it is collaborative, both students and even parents can contribute to your note pages as long as they’ve been invited to view the page. One thing to like about Padlet is how you can decide to make your note pages public or private.
You can also decide to post anonymously if you want. I also like that you can stay on top of everything going on and keep your notes organized as no one without the password can access the wall.
You can also integrate this tool with Google Classroom to make the note management process easier to organize. The main difference between Padlet and Flipgrid is that Padlet mainly serves as an online notice board by allowing users to stick virtual notes to the created pages or walls.
Accessing this tool is easy and all you need to do is create an account by signing up with your email and creating a board. You can then share to students this board via a link or QR code.
It has a free version although the paid versions (Teacher and School) offer more useful features. You can download the mobile app via Google PlayStore or Apple’s App Store.
10. Microsoft OneNote
OneNote is a Microsoft tool like Flipgrid that also doubles as a useful e-learning tool. It works as an online notebook that allows you to quickly create and save notes on the go.
This is a very useful tool for teachers and students alike as you can always note down important tasks, create and organize your to-do list, write down ideas, and generally capture your thoughts into words.
OneNote is easily a great choice for teachers and students as you can integrate other Microsoft tools like Word documents, and Excel sheets and also allows you to extract and add images, other multimedia files, and even links to note and share with other users easily.
It allows you as a teacher to collaborate with students on class activities and projects as they can also share their notes with you.
All you need to do is create your notes as well as specific sections for each group you’re assigned to. Some of the things to like about Microsoft OneNote is that it allows for easy collaboration between teacher and student.
It also helps the creative and teaching process as you can create quick notes spontaneously just like Flipgrid. Editing and project management also becomes a lot easier for users as you can edit as you write and all saved notes are backed by Microsoft cloud storage.
You can access this tool either via the web or app version and it is completely free for anyone using an Android or iOS device.
11. Trello
Though Trello serves as a project management tool for organizations, it can be used by teachers and students to collaborate on class projects outside the classroom.
You can create a series of tasks, add images, videos, sheets, and pdfs to each task, and assign them alongside their deadline to your students. You can also create a board and add a group of students, so everyone can distinguish which task is meant for which group.
As a student, Trello is also an organized and efficient way of keeping track of all projects and ensuring that you don’t miss deadlines. By creating a to-do list or cards, you can stay at the top of your academic game and also collaborate with others in your study group.
Trello users can access this tool by signing up via the website or mobile app which is available for both iOS and Android-based devices.
12. VoiceThread
VoiceThread is another engaging and collaborative educational tool like Flipgrid. It works by allowing teachers and students to create online projects, and add images, documents, videos, and text where necessary.
In fact, over 50 different media formats can be used when creating a VoiceThread which makes it fun and highly engaging, especially for students.
As a teacher, you can create a VoiceThread and make it accessible to your students who in turn can leave comments and also create their VoiceThreads.
This tool is powered by Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) which makes it easy to sync/integrate it with a variety of Learning Management Systems. It can be integrated with Canvas, Blackboard, and other LMS.
You can also decide to make your VoiceThread public, private, or share with only allowed people. The nature of VoiceThread doesn’t make it any different from Flipgrid aside from the user interface and a few additional features.
Users can access this tool via its mobile app (for Android and iOS devices) or a web browser. Signup is free and if you want to, you can upgrade to the paid version to have access to more advanced features.
13. Evernote
As the name implies, Evernote is a note-taking online application. It facilitates your e-learning as it helps students write down ideas, take down notes during classes, and create lists.
As a student, you can even add links, images, documents, and other media types to your notes. In addition to that, teachers can also assign tasks via this tool alongside their deadlines and create a reminder to ensure that they don’t miss out on what needs to be done.
The only difference between Evernote and Flipgrid is that Evernote is mainly dedicated to note-taking. Users can access the tool via a web browser or mobile app for Android and iOS devices.
Signup is free as there’s a free version. However, its features are pretty limited. You’d have to subscribe to its paid version for more seamless use.
14. Quizizz
From the name Quizizz, it’s easy to figure out that this is a learning tool for teachers and students. The tool works as an assessment tool that allows teachers and students to collaborate on several quizzes.
As a teacher, you can choose to either create your unique quiz or choose from a variety of quizzes available.
As a teacher, you’d have to share an access code with your students who are presented with a timed quiz or assigned takeaway assignments with their deadlines.
After completion, the results are compiled into a spreadsheet for a thorough assessment. Quizizz also allows students to review their answers and even create quizzes on topics they’re not clear about.
One thing to like about this tool is it can be integrated with Google Classroom so that every participant can view the shared screen. Users can access this tool from a web browser and it is completely free to sign up as there are no charges required for teachers and students.
A mobile app is available for Android and iOS devices.
15. ThingLink
Finally, the last Flipgrid alternative on this list is ThingLink. It is an intuitive learning tool that allows teachers to break down complex information into visual representations for easy understanding.
You can make use of images or videos from the Internet or create yours and then add tags so that your students can easily engage your media file. You can also add voice messages/prompts, links, or even create a fusion of images and text for your students.
However, ThingLink isn’t just ‘teacher-oriented’, it is also useful to students who want to make their class projects more creative by integrating images, videos, and other meaningful media into the project.
Fortunately, the tool can be integrated with other learning systems like Google, Canvas, and so on.
Users can access ThingLink online via its website or mobile app available for Android and iOS. There’s both a paid and free version for teachers, with the free version allowing teachers to create projects.
To Summarize
All of these tools are great alternatives to using Flipgrid. However, a personal favorite would be Seesaw because of how it allows for easy collaboration not only between teachers and students but also parents/guardians.
Aside from that, the features are very useful as it greatly improves the online learning process and ensures that a conducive environment is sustained. However, you’re free to make your choice.
As you can see, though each tool contributes immensely to online learning, they all stand out in one feature or the other.
Enjoyed the post?
