Seesaw Makes Digital Learning Journals a Snap

Lately, I’ve been harnessing the power of Twitter for professional learning like it’s nobody’s business! This week, I stumbled upon #seesawchat. I must say, finding Seesaw was like hitting the #edtech jackpot!

Seesaw, the app and web based digital learning journal blew me away.  Seesaw’s tagline is, “student driven digital portfolios.”  What a powerful set of four words put together…..and it does not disappoint!

Our division extended BYOD to the elementary school students in the Fall of 2014 but teacher/administrator buy in has been relatively slow.

Many web tools and apps complicate the adoption and implementation of really GOOD apps. Particularly for younger students.  Not Seesaw. I’ll tell you why….

Often, terms of service will include age limits starting at 13 or require email addresses to sign up, which…..you guessed it, have age restrictions too! This seriously limits the tech tools that have potential in the K-5 setting.

In order to join a class with Seesaw, students just scan a QR code.  They do not  have a username and password to remember. BONUS!  Especially for younger students who may not have their own email accounts.

Seesaw can be used on any device….perfect for your classrooms’ various needs. Not a 1:1 school? No problem!  You just need one device to record student work, which can help more elementary teachers move towards a paperless classroom.

Students as young as 5 can use Seesaw to upload pictures, video clips, drawings, and notes of their work. Teachers can provide directly  feedback to the students’ work. The picture below shows the easy student options for showing what they know.

 

And get this…..parents also have access to their students’ learning journal! When new work is uploaded, parents get a notification through the Seesaw app. From a parent perspective, it’s wonderful to be able to preview what your child has done in school that day or week.

Oh, and lastly, it’s absolutely free for teachers, students, and parents.

Check out the video on their website.

Want to check out more tools that only require one device for the entire class? I got you covered! Check out my  post on 4 Ways to Integrate Tech for Your Entire Class with Just One Device.

Enjoy!