Literacies Assessment Technology: Using Flipgrid for Formative Literacy Assessment

Flipgrid is an interactive video discussion platform that has gained popularity as a tool for assessing student literacy, particularly in middle and high school classrooms. This technology allows students to record short video responses to prompts, enabling teachers to evaluate oral communication skills, comprehension, and the ability to synthesize information. In a literacy context, Flipgrid can be used to assess reading comprehension, vocabulary usage, and critical thinking, providing a multimodal alternative to traditional written assessments.

The primary way Flipgrid works is simple: the teacher posts a prompt or question related to a reading, discussion topic, or writing assignment. Students then record brief video responses that can include spoken explanations, gestures, and visual aids. Responses are viewable by the teacher and, if desired, by peers, fostering collaborative learning and reflection. Teachers can leave timestamped feedback directly on student videos, creating a dynamic and interactive assessment loop.

One of the key strengths of Flipgrid as a literacy assessment tool is that it captures students’ oral language abilities, which are often overlooked in traditional written assessments. Multimodal responses allow students to demonstrate understanding through speech, intonation, and visual cues, providing insight into comprehension and reasoning that may not be visible in text alone. Additionally, Flipgrid promotes student engagement, particularly for learners who may feel less confident writing but thrive in verbal expression. The platform also supports inclusivity by allowing students to record at their own pace and revisit their responses before submission.

However, Flipgrid has some limitations. First, assessing literacy through video responses can be time-consuming for teachers, particularly in large classes, as reviewing and providing feedback on each submission requires careful attention. Second, students with limited access to technology or reliable internet may face barriers to participation, raising equity concerns. Finally, while Flipgrid captures oral skills effectively, it may not fully assess detailed writing proficiency or complex analytical thinking that requires extended text.

In conclusion, Flipgrid represents a powerful literacies assessment technology that emphasizes oral communication and multimodal learning. Its strengths lie in engagement, inclusivity, and capturing dynamic demonstrations of comprehension, while its weaknesses include time demands, technology access, and limitations in evaluating written literacy. When used thoughtfully alongside traditional assessments, Flipgrid can provide a rich, holistic picture of student literacy development.