Document Student Learning with #SeesawEdu

As a teacher, I like to collect samples of student learning.  A portfolio, in my opinion, is the best way to document student learning. Using portfolios allows me to keep samples of student learning at a moment in time but also over time.  I use them to help with grading, share with parents at conferences and to help me revise my instruction.

But, what if you could do this digitally?

Recently, I discovered an app that allows you to gather and collect student learning digitally.

Seesaw is a FREE app that can be used via your smartphone or iPad.  After watching this quick video, I was ready to create my class, add names and get started.

It is very user friendly. In fact, I began using it immediately in my classroom.  I taught my kindergarten students how to take a photo of their work using the iPad and record themselves.

Here is a sample of a child's work.  (Please excuse all the background noise.  We are busy learning.) 

Students and teachers are not limited to only taking photos and recording.  I think that Seesaw has combined some of my favorite apps features into one. You can take a video, draw and add notes. You are also able to use videos and images from any other app which has generated a photo or video onto your camera roll.

Source

One of the features of this app is that you can communicate directly with parents.  Parents are give a unique link to their child's work via the Parent Access app.  I am currently testing this with one parent to see how it works for our classroom and school dynamics.

I also like that you can assess this app from any mobile device.  This means that I can view my students' work from anywhere and anytime.  This is very convenient.

I am so happy that I stumbled upon this app during my Twitter chat with my #TeacherFriends.  It  really is worth trying and experimenting with in your classroom.


Happy Teaching!