This past year, I was introduced to an app that was described as "Facebook for the Classroom." Seesaw is an app that allows students to respond and post within their own "journals", but also to a classroom feed. Students can comment on each other's work and receive immediate feedback for their own work. When I first heard of it, I took it back to my classroom that afternoon, and with the five grade level iPads I had access to, I sent my students out to discover and learn.
Long story short, my students LOVED it...they love it so much in fact, that they are still using it THIS SUMMER. I attended iPadpalooza last week at Noblesville High School, and I took away some neat ideas that I thought I could "guinea pig" on my students from last year. They are rocking it.
As I post a challenge or assignment, they can post and I will be able to either approve it (if appropriate) or deny it. I can also comment and give feedback immediately, without "approving" it to the class feed. Parents are also able to connect to the class Seesaw account and see only their student's journals, as well as the "class posts" that I send to everyone. Although I haven't played with it to this extent, you are able to assign questions, tasks to selected students when posting, as well. Easy to differentiate within my classroom now!
SO...this may be a keeper for next year. I'll update as I use it and learn more. Anyone else using Seesaw in their classroom frequently and successfully? Would love to know if the blog piece of the app is worth it!