M. O'Grady-Jones

Colorful Italian Plate
Web2.0 Tool- Flippity
As part of my work for EDET Technology Tools II at the University of South Carolina, I explored various Web 2.0 tools. I have chosen to highlight Flippity. I was looking for a tool to help one of my ESOL students who struggles with vocabulary both content specific and our regular vocabulary lessons. Flippity allows users to create various learning games (matching, jeopardy, memory, and hangman to name a few) based on a Google Spreadsheet. I started with flash cards and created a set for our Sadlier Oxford Level A group working on Unit 2. By copying Flippity's template to my Google Drive and adding the words and the definitions, I was able to create a set of flash cards that could be embeded into my student's Canvas pages. I have included the flash cards below. From that same spreadsheet, I was able to create Bingo Cards, a crossword puzzle, a word search, and a quiz that could all be printed out to use in the classroom. Separate embed codes would allow students the choices to practice, play a memory game, or try matching terms. Click here to try
Flippity
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This is an embed of the study stack that I created.

Good Things
Some things that I like about Flippity include that students can practice when they are ready. While there is some aspect of a game involved, students are not competing against each other. They also do not need a teacher to launch the experience. Once the spreadsheet is built and the site is shared, students can access the information in a way that works best for their learning. Another aspect that is appealing is that student with a Gooogle account can create their own set of learning materials. Another game available was a Jeopardy type game. This is also build using a Google Spreadsheet. I created one for World War II - our most recent social studies topic. Click the link to test your knowledge of World War II Jeopardy. I often find that students only get a small portion of the information in a game during class. They often get too caught up in the competition. I think it is valuable for students to be able to go back and test themselves.

Some Things I Did Not Like
It appears that if a teacher wants to give students access to multiple forms of practice, the embed codes need to be provided for each one. I was not able to access other forms of practice from one embed code. While the site offers "games" this is really just another way to drill and practice. While this has its place in education and will work well for some students, it is limited in terms of higher order thinking and problem solving.

Overall Impressions
I thik this tool will be useful for my students. They liked the idea of having different ways to practice beyond the drills provided in the text book. Having a variety of options will allow me to differentiat for individual students based on their needs. I was disappointed that the Jeopardy game is not available to embed. I like the control of having students stay within a defined web environment. I would like to explore having students build their own spread sheets and games.