Introducing and Implementing Seesaw

Our Priority Considerations For Implementing Seesaw ePortfolios:

1. Flip the responsibility from Teachers to Learners

2. Change the time-frame from six monthly to weekly.

3. Change the model from one way to three way

4. Change the model from definitive to collaborative.

5. Ensure Ministry requirements for Plain Language reporting and Reporting on Progress against National Standards are met

6. Agree minimum baseline standards and requirements

7. Ensure a balance between qualitative and quantitative data

8. Consult, collaborate and communicate with all parties constantly

9. Form an ePortfolio Management Committee consisting of the principal and three deputy principals

10. Choose 12 Early-Adopter Classes to trial an early implementation of Seesaw for the best part of six months

Early Adopter Implementation Criteria:

1. Seesaw will effectively reflect the learning process.

2. Seesaw ePortfolios enable the use of a range of media – video, sound and images – as well as text to show both the learning process and final product

3. Encourage and facilitate the learner’s support network to participate and provide feedback on their learning

4. Enhance the Quality and Quantity of Feedback via social mediums

5. Assist students to take increasing responsibility for their own learning

6. Allow students to track and demonstrate their growth over longer periods of time

7. Struggling students have an alternative mode of expression and means to demonstrate learning - leading to increased self-confidence and achievement

8. Provide Increased accessibility - for parents who cannot find time to visit the classroom to see a collection of their children’s work.

9. Assist in the Development of 21st century skills

10. Offer the opportunity to reflect on learning and make important connections amongst studies or topics, as well as make links between learning and life experiences

Management Responsibilities During the Six Month Early Adopter Implementation Process

Month 1

1. Board Support for Proposed Change Sought / Gained

2. Management Team selected

3. Early Adopters Selected

4. Digital ePortfolio Tool Selected

5. Five Parents in E-A rooms selected and appraised of the programme

6. Children taught the tool, process and the critical thinking tools required

Month 2

1. Weekly meetings for E-A teachers

2. Consultation with E-A parents

3. Agile review of programme delivery and progress to date

Month 3

1. Board informed of progress - advice sought

2. Management Team review artefact sampling - quality control

3. Learners interviewed using de Bono Red, Yellow and Black Hats

4. Management Team and E-A teachers review proposed Parent Presentation

5. Collect and Collate Best Seesaw Learning Resources for Staff

Month 4

1. Weekly meetings for E-A teachers - ideas, initiatives and Practicalities shared

2. Web Portal for Seesaw Established - best resources downloadable

3. Full Staff meetings led by E-A teachers - Practical Demonstrations - Q and A

Month 5

1. Board informed of progress - advice sought

2. Management Team review artefact sampling - quality control

3. Learners interviewed using de Bono Red, Yellow and Black Hats

4. Management Team and E-A teachers review Web Portal Resources

Month 6

1. Weekly meetings for E-A teachers - ideas, initiatives and Practicalities shared

2. Community Presentation to Parents and Sign-Up

3. Full Staff meetings led by E-A teachers - Practical Demonstrations - Q and A

4. Early Adopter staff buddy up with Later-Adopter Staff to smooth the implementation

5. Agile review of programme delivery and progress to date

Supporting Staff - Resources:

1. Training guides,

2. Readings

3. Training videos

4. Web based resources.

Stage Two - Full Implementation... in my next blog.