Flip Video Cameras for Foreign Language Classes: On Sale!
Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 30-Minutes (White)
I have wanted a Flip Video camera ever since I first saw them featured on an episode of Oprah over a year ago. The humungous camera I had was such a pain to use, I sadly missed video footage of both my kids’ baby and toddler years. As an early Mother’s Day present, my husband just got me a Flip Ultra video camera from Amazon.com. I couldn’t wait until Mother’s Day to use it. In fact, it’s been getting quite the workout the past few days. My kids and I have been having a ball! I was half-expecting to be disappointed (historically, I’ve been a gullible target for believing everything promised in an ad) but the camera is actually as great as I had hoped it would be. It is absolutely SIMPLE! I mean, straight out of the box, easy-breezy, no cords, barely glance at the directions SIMPLE! You just slide in two AA batteries, turn on the switch, push the red button, and you’re recording. When you’re done, the USB arm flips up and you attach it directly to your computer. I was a bit concerned about Mac compatibility, but everything’s perfect. Fantastic video quality, too. And easy editing. And easy e-mailing. And it fits in my purse.
I know, I know, I know. I sound like a commercial. And yes, I am an Amazon affiliate, but I am sincerely excited about my camera. Amazing, fantastic sale on one particular Flip camera at the moment. Details at the end of this post.
The Flip Ultra is so easy to use, I’ve decided that I’m going to apply for a grant to get a couple of these babies for my foreign language classes next year. Even elementary students can use these with ease. Here are a few of the ways these can be used to practice foreign languages:
1. Skits and puppet shows. Kids love to see themselves on the big screen. (Cords for TV viewing are included.) Video is better than live performances for the learner because they can listen to their pronunciation a bit more objectively. It also gives the teacher more time to make assessment considerations.
2. I can imagine dividing the class into groups, giving each group a camera, and asking them to create all sorts of cool things: digital “flash cards”, cultural lessons, dialogues, etc.
3. The teacher or a parent volunteer can record class presentations, songs, dances, special visitors.
4. The teacher can prepare short video/pronunciation lessons, post them to YouTube, and them embed them into a student blog. I maintain a private Edublog site for my high school students. It’s a great way to post assignments, cool videos & online games, and highlight student work. I’ve used podcasting, but adding the video element will help students even more. It’s a fantastic tool for kids who are absent.
5. Speaking of videos on blogs . . . my kids and I are already at work with puppets and French songs for Foreign Language Fun. Stay tuned!
I know that video has been used in classrooms for ages. But it’s never been so easy before. This is the first camera I can see putting into my students’ hands. I know motivation will soar!
Please comment with more foreign language video taping ideas for me. How can I get the most out of my new toy? How can video be used to enhance foreign language learning? What video projects have you done?
As for the sale on Flip video cameras . . . you can now get the white, 30-minute Flip Ultra for only $59.99! That’s really amazing. I’ve been watching sales for the past couple of months, and nothing came close. Even though I had originally wanted the 60-minute, I do believe 30 will be fine. Most of the videos I make will be short anyway. Once you load them onto your computer, you can erase them from the recorder. The retail price for this (my) camera is $149.99, and the very same camera in black is on sale for $126.89. The best sale price I’ve seen anywhere near me was $99.99. So, if you think you might want to get these for your classroom–or for yourself–now is the time.
$59.99 for a brand new Flip Ultra 30-minute Video Camera!!!!!!
I don’t work for Amazon, so I have no clue how long this will last. I’ll probably buy at least another 1 or 2 for upcoming gifts. They can arrive in time for Mother’s Day, btw. Again, I know that I sound like a commercial but I’m telling everyone I know! I LOVE MY NEW FLIP 
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