Seesaw

Seesaw App: A Powerful Tool for Elementary Classrooms

Beloved by teachers around the world, Seesaw is an educational platform that has been specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of elementary classrooms. With its combination of high-quality instruction, authentic assessment tools, and inclusive communication features, Seesaw has become a staple in over a third of elementary schools across the US and in more than 130 countries worldwide.

The app provides students with the power to showcase their thinking, share their learning, and express their creativity with their teachers and families. This feature not only encourages student voice and choice but also fosters a deeper level of engagement and involvement in the learning process. Seesaw's multimodal tools, which include video, voice, screen recording, photos, drawing, and labeling options, make learning accessible and captivating for students of all abilities.

One of the key advantages of Seesaw is its ability to support high-quality instruction. Teachers can deliver standards-aligned lessons and activities that cater to different learning styles and abilities. The "Present to Class" mode allows for front-of-class modeling, whole-class instruction, and discussions, making it easier for teachers to engage their students in meaningful classroom interactions. Additionally, Seesaw's assignment feature enables teachers to differentiate instruction by creating activities that target specific groups of students or individuals, ensuring that every student's unique needs are met.

Seesaw also offers an extensive library of research-based and ready-to-teach lessons, created by curriculum experts. These lessons include whole group instruction videos, 1:1 or small group practice activities, formative assessments, and robust lesson plans to support teacher implementation. The app also provides access to a vast collection of ready-to-assign activities, which have been created by a community of educators. This wealth of resources makes it easier for teachers to plan and deliver high-quality instruction that meets the diverse needs of their students.

Another notable advantage of Seesaw is its inclusive family engagement features. The app allows for two-way communication between teachers and families, fostering a strong partnership in the learning process. Parents can gain insight into their child's progress through frequent sharing of student posts and assignments, and the built-in translation feature ensures that communication can occur in over 100 home languages. Seesaw's digital portfolios further enhance family engagement by providing a window into the classroom and showcasing student growth. These portfolios simplify parent-teacher conferences and report cards, streamlining the communication process and keeping families informed about their child's learning journey.

However, it is important to consider some potential drawbacks of the Seesaw app. Firstly, while the app offers an extensive library of ready-to-teach lessons and activities, some teachers may find it limiting if their instructional approach deviates significantly from the available resources. Additionally, the app's reliance on technology might pose challenges in schools with limited access to devices or unreliable internet connections. Lastly, although Seesaw boasts built-in translation features, the quality and accuracy of translations may vary, potentially hindering effective communication between teachers and non-English speaking families.

Now, let's address some frequently asked questions regarding the Seesaw app:

1. 《FAQs

Q: Is Seesaw compatible with different devices and operating systems?

A: Yes, Seesaw can be accessed on various devices, including tablets, smartphones, and computers. It is compatible with iOS, Android, and Chrome OS.

Q: Can the Seesaw app be used at home?

A: Yes, Seesaw can be used by students at home to continue their learning, complete assignments, and communicate with their teachers and families.

Q: Can Seesaw be integrated with other educational platforms?

A: Yes, Seesaw offers integration options with other popular educational platforms, allowing for seamless data sharing and collaboration.

In conclusion, Seesaw is a powerful educational tool that has revolutionized elementary classrooms worldwide. Its combination of high-quality instruction, inclusive family engagement features, and comprehensive assessment tools make it an invaluable asset for teachers, students, and families. While there may be some limitations and considerations to address, Seesaw's positive impact on the learning experience cannot be denied. By fostering student voice, promoting engagement, and providing meaningful insights into student understanding, Seesaw proves to be an essential asset for modern elementary education.