One app I've really been enjoying is Seesaw, a digital portfolio for students. I started using it with my 1st grade book club group of 10 students, figuring I would pilot it with a small group before taking on larger classes and/or leading professional development for colleagues. There are so many great things that I've noticed while using Seesaw--I'll try to condense it down into list form!
- Connecting with parents. Parents download a separate parent Seesaw app (or can log in through the a Internet as well) to connect directly to their child's work. They can "like" items and leave comments, and can even share their child's work on social media if they choose (one parent shared a Chatterpix video on Facebook that her son made after we researched forest animals). The comments can be directed at the student, but they could also be for the teacher to see.
- Student privacy. Students are sharing their work writing, videos, art, etc. only with their parent (if there is a group project or photo where multiple students are tagged, then others could see it). This ends up being somewhat similar to classroom Instagram accounts where class projects and events can be shared in real time while avoiding popular social media, which some parents may be hesitant about.
- Student-driven. Unlike other whole-class apps, the teacher does not have to maintain control over all aspects of the app. Students can upload their own work as they make progress on or complete it.
- Customer service. I have actually people reach out to me from the company to see how I was doing with Seesaw. It didn't seem like a mass email sent out to everyone who has registered, which is a relief from the email blasts from other tools I've signed up for in the past.
- APPR evidence. By using this app, I'm reaching many APPR and Danielson domain goals/tasks while keeping a running record of what has been going on in my library throughout the year.
This year, I plan on using Seesaw with one of my kindergarten sections that I see weekly as a way to increase communication with families. If it is successful in connecting with parents and maintaining student progress in a portfolio, I'm hoping to lead a professional development course for my teachers.