Technology Tuesday: Seesaw App

And so the adventure begins, as I try to figure out how to work technology into my class and curriculum. I want my focus to continue to be production, not consumption. Wish me luck and send me feedback. ;)

 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!

My favorite assignment that I did give this year was actually a reading assignment...students took pictures of the text they were reading (so I didn't have to go back and find it when checking their work), they underlined the text they made they connection with, and they were able to record their voice explaining their connection (text, self, world, media). NOW...my traditional mind is thinking I just took away an opportunity for students to practice their writing...my "trying to adjust to new assessing" mind is thinking I LOVE the fact that it just took me 30 minutes to assess students and see if they understand making connections that quickly.

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!