Online Portfolio Documentation

I have created student portfolios with for my students in the past and have a love-hate relationship with them. I love the fact that they have the ability to show what a child knows in an authentic way. After all, we all know there are multiple ways to demonstrate understanding. Not only that, but they provide a permanent place to keep those special pieces of documentation. I hate the amount of time and effort they take to create. Because, let's be honest, the work falls almost entirely on the teacher--especially at the primary level and especially, especially at the kindergarten level.

Imagine my excitement, then, when I learned about a free app called Seesaw. This app allows students of any age to create an online learning journal that can be shared with other students, the teacher and parents. You can also choose to have your class connect globally with other classes.

For students in the primary grades, utilizing Seesaw is as simple as scanning a classroom QR code with an iPad and then choosing the student's name, or icon, which has been entered by the classroom teacher. From there, a student can take a picture of an art project, mathematical representation, Lego structure, piece of writing, etc. Other options include adding an audio explanation about the photo, using the drawing tool to show their understanding of something in the photo, or making a video.  In addition. students can type journal entries and the teacher can create a classroom blog.

The teacher has control over what is added to a student's portfolio and what is shared with parents, which prevents a student from adding picture after picture of random items. Also, students and parents only have access to their own portfolio.

The Seesaw app intrigues me for many reasons. One, it is FREE! Two, it allows the student to become an active partner in the creation of the portfolio. Three, it offers many possibilities for connecting with families. Four, it doesn't require me to stuff stubborn page protectors over and over and over again. Five, Seesaw offers online training sessions, tips, and examples of ways other teachers are using the app.  Just the other day, in fact, I received an email from someone from Seesaw asking if I had any questions or if I needed help with anything. How cool is that?!

Like many other things, this is new to me this year.  It is exciting to know that even after 17 years of teaching there are still so many things to learn and explore! Check back to see how it is going and to see if I am still excited about using Seesaw in May!