SeeSaw It Is...

A few hours later, I've downloaded and tried out most of the other apps I mentioned in my previous post. I looked into WeLearned.It, Pathbrite, Google Sites, Three Ring, Open School ePortfolio and Weebly.

And the Winner is...

Here's a quick introduction to what Seesaw can do: 

Why I Choose Seesaw:

• The log-in is simple and easy, which is ideal for younger students! You can save a lot of time in this area. Students can easily scan the QR code and that's it! 
• The interface is also simple! It's easy to upload docs, pics, and files through the app. Anything else, like Google Slide shows and movie files, can easily be uploaded as well. You can also import from 100s of other apps, like iMovie or Book Creator, into Seesaw! 
• The students will love making comments and "liking" each other's posts! This feature offers them an opportunity to interact and develop skills in a semi-social media platform. 
• Students can show off their learning, reflect on their assignments and projects, see their growth, and be proud of themselves! 
• As a teacher, I love that Seesaw gives my students a voice, turns their growth into something that's visible, and allows them to take ownership of their learning! Students may struggle with the reflection aspect of creating a digital portfolio, but I hope over time, they will enjoy the process. I only wish I had started this sooner! Next year, I'll be sure to upload artifacts starting in August! 
• One of the best aspects of this program is the teachers' ability to control content and who sees your students' work. You don't have to worry about privacy and protection with this app.
• Seesaw offers help to teachers. There are also many challenges and ideas that help you get started. Here's one: Click here for the SeeSaw Challenge! And check out the other Help Center topics... 

There's a Downside...
There's a small downside to the app. At first, I found the simple and convenient interface to be very helpful, but then I discovered that the app does not allow student portfolio to be very private. All student have access to their classmates' portfolios. The feed contains everyone's uploads and reflections. This may be something that not all students are comfortable or want to share. I'll be searching for a workaround, but overall, I know students will enjoy this app.

Here's a snapshot of the interface with my Sample Student on my iPad...

Why Digital Portfolios can Transform Learning...

When I first started teaching, about 14 years ago, I did use the idea of portfolios as an assessment tool for my fourth-graders. We kept a file folder of all the papers, tests, assignments, projects, that we did and then looked back at it every month. I had my students pick one piece that represented their best work, or their worst work, and reflect on what they had learned by doing this assignment. By the end of the year, we had about eight or nine pieces to put together in a paper portfolio. Although it was a nice culminating project, it was a bit chaotic and time-consuming. There were also limitations. If the students had completed a project, such as a diorama in a shoebox, it was difficult to place this into a file folder, so the only items we could include were all paper based.

Digital portfolios transform assessment in to a whole new level and redefine the task of portfolio creation. Thanks to 21st-century technology, such as iPads, portfolio assessment can be easy to implement, and yet far more advanced at the same time. Students can pull from multiple media tools, such as movies, pictures, and documents to create a portfolio. Because of this variety, students can demonstrate learning and show the growth they have made overtime. In addition, digital portfolios allow other students to share their work to their classmates, and receive feedback and suggestions. Students can learn from each other and work together. Digital portfolios also allow students to focus more on the learning, rather than a getting a traditional grade. Because of the variety of options, students can also develop portfolios in multiple subjects and disciplines. I will definitely be using Seesaw this coming week to get started on my student portfolios.

More Resources I Used...

• Digital Portfolio Use a Growth Mindset Tool Research Study by Susan Hopper Department of Learning Technology University of North Texas 
• 3 Types of Digital Portfolios
• E-Portfolio Assessment Rubric

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