Hello, we are going to talk about Flipgrid and why it is a useful tool for the Deaf community. It is incredible what we can do on Flipgrid, we can produce our videos in BSL (British Sign Language) and upload them instantaneously. Being able to do this really supports the Deaf community – it is so clear. Being able to create videos is so important as our language is not easily translated onto paper, or to have all the language aspects typed up. Historically, we have created films, videos, the old VHS etc however they would then need to be put onto DVDs for us to access them. This would be the only way for the Deaf community to access the contained information. Now, however, things have really changed, especially in the field of technology. Flipgrip is really an advantage for the Deaf community. We’ve got the valued video aspect, which means we can upload and disseminate the recorded information. For example, I can share, easily, intended content with my students. The biggest benefit for my students and I, is that we can both use our first language, British Sign Language. I can upload my signed clip, and they can receive the necessary information in their preferred language. In the past, there has been real pressure for my students and I to converse in our second language, written English. I would have to think what I want to say (by signing in BSL), translate that into written English and pass it onto the student. The student would then have to attempt to read the English (their second language), translate what they think it means into BSL, then try and understand the information they have been provided with. We call this back-translation. Having to work like this really wasn’t effective, often the students wouldn’t have grasp the provided concept. Now that we have the resource to do direct communications in BSL, it is lovely! As the teacher, I can continue working knowing that my students have understood the information, that they know what they are doing within the classroom, the given activity, projects, the learning objectives.  Everything seems clearer and more concise. We definitely value being able to move forward in this manner.  
Flipgrid has helped those across the full age range, enabling them to have an immersive educational experience. It has been amazing to see the transformation in motivation steaming from the students, and to see how this tool has really developed their learning at an amazing pace. It makes me feel quite emotional just thinking about it.

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