Getting Started with Seesaw

Have you considered using Seesaw in your classroom this school year, but not sure how to get started? Let me help you!  Seesaw allows for students to create a student driven digital portfolio. What are the benefits?

               

Seesaw is available on the following devices:

Convinced? Okay! Let’s get started!

                         

Once you arrive to the website, you will be prompted to create an account.

Once you create your account it is time to create your class and decide how students will login.

Think about how you want your students to log in. If you are a primary teacher (K/2), I highly suggest the QR code option. Students sign in using the QR Class Code. Students choose their name from the class list to add items to their journal. Keep a few copies of the code around your classroom for easy accessibility to students in case for some reason they log out. You will receive an email with a code specific to your class, be sure to check for it.

It’s as simple as that!

Now you are ready to add students and icons to represent them.

Watch this video for in depth details.

(It is only 5 minutes and full of information!)

Now let’s add folders to your class. Folders are a great way to organize student work by subject areas or any way you wish. It is beneficial to color code your folders. My students would ask, “Which color do you want me to put this in?”, before long they knew orange was math, blue was ELA, purple was Morning Work, etc.

To add folders you will tap menu> manage classes>manage folders. Type folder name and select color. Tap the green check to save. You may add additional folders.

Watch the video for additional info about folders.

 (It’s less than 3 minutes!)

Now grab a device and sign up.

 Come back by soon for how to get your

students & parents started on Seesaw!

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Both links are available on the right sidebar.

Hello & Getting Started with iPads

Beginning a blog is something I have pondered for some time now. I often get questioned about integrating technology in my Kinder classroom.

I finally got enough courage  to start my own blog.  I have many ideas I want to share about how I’ve integrated technology in the past few years. I particularly have experience with 1:1 iPads in primary classrooms. 

Let me just say that I in no way claim to be an expert, but I am hopeful to share my findings integrating technology into the primary classrooms setting. For the past 3 years I was somewhat of a pilot class for my school/district.

I understand many classrooms are not 1:1 yet, but many teachers/districts are taking the steps to do so. I also understand that many teachers range in their abilities to utilize technology, much less integrate it into a classroom beyond using a few apps here and there. I am hopeful you find some ideas here that a beneficial to you and your students.

Here are a few pieces of advice for implementing any technology in your classroom.

-Have a consistent way to share files, images, and videos with your students, I would also recommend having a consistent way that students turn work back in to you.  (Seesaw, Showbie, Classkick)

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Seesaw.

-label EVERYTHING I have placed vinyl decal numbers on each of my iPads (see below). At this time I do not have a fancy cart to house or charge my devices. So what did I do? I placed labels on a rolling 10 draw cart and zip tied chargers through the back. I know...but it works!  Student are assigned a number for the year. If an issue should arise I know exactly who the iPad was used by. I will also offer students a place to store their ear buds. 

-MODEL, MODEL, MODEL, before students engage in using a piece of technology.  Place reminders/bulletin board around your room about  appropriate use and consequences if technology is  not used properly.

I have my students/parents sign an agreement about the use of technology in our classroom. Keep a log of EVER mishap, just in case.

-Plan ahead. We all know  how we can have a love/hate relationship with technology. Make sure you have a backup plan just in case the internet is not working properly, devices take longer than expected to load update, etc. It is also beneficial to have students know what to do should something go wrong in an app or they have a question. I will implement “Techspert” badges for students who can be sought after by their peers for assistance. 

-Routinely go over various icons that will be used/seen in various applications. So many apps use the same icons for specific buttons to promote consistency across apps. Teach your students icons and save yourself some time explaining each icons function, allowing more time for creating & exploring. Do not assume students “know”. Keep in mind you may have a student(s) whom have NEVER used a piece of technology. Check these out. (click image below)

-If you decide to use apps/programs that require usernames and passwords have a plan in place. (log, ring of cards, sticker in binder/folder, etc.) I personally do not use any programs at this point that require my primary students to enter individual username/passwords.

-Remember that technology is a tool. Primary students still need interaction with manipulatives, various writing utensils, etc. Use technology to enhance your students learning while still covering content.

-Stick with it! At first it can be very overwhelming and time consuming to assure your students have a grasp on how to use technology, but just think of how rewarding it will be in the near future. Practice makes perfect!