I chose to explore some of the ways that Seesaw can be used as a tool to support and encourage independent authorship with early learners focusing on extending the power of the writer’s workshop model using a mobile device. Two key advantages to this tool are:
- Ease of use and understanding
- The opportunity for an authentic audience
It was challenging to focus on only a single aspect of this tool, as it also opens up many other possibilities as well. Seesaw has been around for a few years now, and hopefully this sparks an interest to explore further.
Hi Matt,
I have used Seesaw with a class of grade 4/5 Science students and it was quite a success. The students enjoyed using it to share their learning and it was easy to use. Of course, they had previous experience with using Seesaw when they were in grades 1 and 2. Just recently our school division announced that it will be paying for a division licence for grades K-6. This is in response to the at-home learning that has been happening over the past few months and that this tool will help aid in students showing their learning if the at-home learning continues or even if we are back at school. I have not used Seesaw for a couple of years but am now looking forward to trying to weave it into my teaching this fall.
Hi Meipsy,
I’m glad to hear you’re already finding value in it. It’s certainly been shining as a tool for remote and at home learning during the pandemic, particularly given how little support students need once they learn the basics. One of our major challenges (I’m sure we’re not alone!) has been the level of parent/guardian support required for success with remote learning. I feel like Seesaw removes some of those barriers. We’ve also subscribed for our early learners, but I’ve used it with middle and high school students with great success in the past as well, so I think your division has made the right choice.
One big benefit of a paid subscription is access to the ever-growing library of activities, there are some very high quality resources available in there now depending on the standards you are trying to assess!
~Matt