SEE SAW LEARNING
https://seesaw-learning.squarespace.com/
Seesaw learning is an educational platform and approach that leverages technology to enhance learning experiences for students, particularly in primary schools. It is designed to facilitate communication, collaboration, and engagement between students, teachers, and parents. Seesaw provides a digital portfolio and communication tool that allows students to document their learning journey, share their work, receive feedback, and engage in various learning activities.
Here’s how Seesaw learning can be used effectively in a primary school setting:
- Digital Portfolios: Teachers and students can create digital portfolios where students can upload and showcase their work, including assignments, projects, artwork, videos, and more. This not only helps students reflect on their progress but also allows parents to see their child’s growth and development over time.
- Communication and Feedback: Seesaw serves as a communication platform where teachers and students can interact easily. Teachers can provide feedback on student work, and students can ask questions or seek clarification. Parents can also stay informed about their child’s learning progress and communicate with teachers.
- Personalized Learning: Seesaw allows teachers to customize learning experiences by assigning specific tasks and activities to individual students or groups. This personalization helps address the diverse needs and abilities of students in a primary school classroom.
- Collaboration: Students can collaborate on projects and assignments by sharing their work with peers, providing feedback to one another, and working together on shared digital spaces. This promotes teamwork and communication skills.
- Parent Involvement: Seesaw encourages parents to be actively involved in their child’s education. They can access their child’s portfolio, see their assignments and feedback, and engage in discussions with teachers about their child’s progress.
- Formative Assessment: Teachers can use Seesaw for formative assessment by creating quizzes, surveys, and interactive activities that gauge student understanding in real-time. This data can help teachers make informed instructional decisions.
- Differentiated Instruction: Seesaw enables teachers to provide differentiated instruction by offering a range of resources and activities suited to different learning styles and abilities. This ensures that each student has access to appropriate learning materials.
- Remote Learning: Seesaw can be particularly valuable during periods of remote learning or hybrid learning models. It allows for the seamless sharing of assignments, resources, and communication between teachers, students, and parents, even when they are not physically present in the classroom.
To effectively use Seesaw in a primary school, educators should receive training and support to ensure they are proficient in using the platform. Additionally, schools should establish clear guidelines and policies for the use of technology and online platforms to maintain student privacy and safety.
Overall, Seesaw learning can be a valuable resource in primary education, helping to engage students, improve communication, and provide a more personalized and interactive learning experience.
Here’s an activity designed for 11-year-old pupils at a bilingual school in Aragón, Spain, using the Seesaw platform. This activity focuses on developing their language skills and cultural awareness:
Activity Title: “Aragonese Culture Showcase”
Objective: To explore and appreciate the cultural heritage of Aragón while enhancing language skills in both Spanish and English.
Materials Needed:
- Seesaw accounts for each student.
- Access to the internet for research.
- Camera or smartphone for taking pictures and videos.
Instructions:
Step 1: Introduction (Teacher-led) Begin by introducing Aragón, its geography, history, and cultural significance to the students. Discuss the importance of preserving and celebrating local culture.
Step 2: Research (Individual or Group) Assign each student or a group of students a specific aspect of Aragonese culture to research. Topics could include:
- Traditional Aragonese cuisine
- Festivals and celebrations in Aragón
- Famous landmarks and historical sites
- Local legends and folklore
- Traditional music and dance
Students should use the internet and books to gather information about their chosen topic.
Step 3: Create Digital Content (Individual or Group) Students will use Seesaw to create digital content related to their research. They can:
- Write short essays or descriptions in both Spanish and English about their chosen aspect of Aragonese culture.
- Create digital posters using text and images to visually represent their findings.
- Record short videos explaining or demonstrating a cultural aspect.
- Share images or drawings that relate to their topic.
Step 4: Upload Content to Seesaw (Individual or Group) Students will upload their created content to their Seesaw accounts. Encourage them to use both Spanish and English in their descriptions and explanations to enhance language skills.
Step 5: Peer Review (Optional) Allow students to browse and comment on each other’s posts. Encourage them to ask questions, provide feedback, or share their thoughts about the different aspects of Aragonese culture.
Step 6: Showcase (Teacher-led) In the classroom or virtually, have students present their findings and creations to the class. This can include brief oral presentations or sharing videos and posters they created.
Step 7: Reflection and Discussion (Teacher-led) Facilitate a class discussion about what they’ve learned about Aragonese culture and how their appreciation for their local heritage has grown. Discuss the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural diversity.
Assessment: Assessment can be based on the quality of the content students create, their language proficiency in both Spanish and English, and their participation in the class discussion and peer review process.
This activity not only allows students to explore their local culture but also enhances their language skills and digital literacy. It encourages active engagement with their heritage and fosters a sense of pride in their cultural identity.
