Seesaw!!!!

Available at: https://app.seesaw.me/#/login
IOS App: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/seesaw-the-learning-journal/id930565184?mt=8

One of the things that's always bothered us about projects that we make in the makerspace, or engineering design challenges that the kids do in groups, is the idea that when they're done, there's not a way for them to take them home.  It's so frustrating for them to work so hard on something and then have to take it back apart.  Last spring, a visitor to the makerspace introduced us to an app called Seesaw (thank you, Todd!).

Seesaw is an online portfolio that can be accessed from tablets or from the computer.  Students have a class login (via QR code) and they can add drawings, pictures, videos, notes, voice recordings, files and links.  Their parents can subscribe to their portfolio (again, using a unique QR code) and follow their progress from home.  They can set up their account to receive an email or a text when their child adds something new, and they can comment on posts as well.

The app is very accessible for students as young as Kindergarten, and the students love posting updates to their account.  So far we've only posted finished products, but with the design project that my 4th graders are starting right now, I am going to ask them to post an update at the end of each class to show their progress along the way.  Seesaw is a great find, and I highly recommend it, whether you're working in a makerspace or not!