Driving social belonging and content retention by using the Flipgrid video discussion app.

Abstract

Abstract Even strong students struggle with the level of detail and interconnectedness required to master immunology. We incorporated Flipgrid assignments to leverage social and emotional learning and cognitive science to enhance students’ engagement with and understanding of content in an undergraduate-level immunology course. The tool is appropriate for elementary through professional school students. Flipgrip is a simple, video recording app used via a cell phone or computer. It can be integrated with most learning management systems. Students created short videos of themselves explaining learning objectives they selected. The videos were evaluated by the educator, updated if needed and shared with the class as tools for review. Peer-evaluation is possible, too. This feedback can be provided quickly in the app. Through such activities, students increase their sense of social connectedness and belonging which research has shown enhances 1) intrinsic motivation and course engagement, 2) safety in the learning community so students ask peers and educators for support, and 3) overall academic success and retention. The benefits of belonging are especially beneficial for students from historically excluded and underrepresented groups. The approach allows students to become experts in a concept and contribute to discussions in ways they might not feel comfortable doing during class sessions. The videos provide opportunities to see and celebrate diversity among the class in a variety of ways. The creativity students bring to the videos help generate recall clues that allow students to retain information more effectively. Similarly, the collection of videos allows students to use distributive recall to self-assess and solidify content. Supported by No funding support