Candidates model and facilitate effective classroom management and collaborative learning strategies to maximize teacher and student use of digital tools and resources.

 

The class dojo screenshot artifact is a screenshot of my current class' class dojo page. I began using this site as a digital classroom management tool 2 years ago. I heard about it from a colleague of mine at the time, and I loved the idea of using technology to help support classroom management. I began using it immediately, and have used it ever since. 

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This screenshot artifact demonstrates mastery of standard 3.1: Classroom Management and Collaborative Learning. Class dojo is a great digital tool to use for classroom management. I use it in my classroom daily. This site replaced the chart with clothespins that I used previously. With class dojo I can give kids points as soon as I see them doing something that I want to reward. I can also take away points from any students who are off task or not following class rules. One of the categories I use to reward kids is helping others, this encourages students to collaborate, and help each other reach their learning goals. I have the app on my phone so I can give points in the hallway, the computer lab, the lunch room, at recess, etc. I have found that as soon as the students hear the chime that sounds when I award a point they immediately get on task or help a friend, in hopes that they will be awarded a point as well. I found this tool to be extremely effective.

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Through using class dojo in my classroom I have learned that as soon as students know someone else is being rewarded for doing the right thing they want to do the right thing themselves. This has been an unexpected benefit of using the site. Once the kids realize that I am giving out points they are immediately trying to do whatever they can to earn some of those points. One thing I would like to do to improve this artifact is to use the other components the site offers as well. They have rolled out some new features, like class story, that I have not yet taken advantage of. I would like to do that in the future to see if it will further add to the site's effectiveness.

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The use of this site in my classroom has a direct impact on student learning. Student's can not learn very much in a chaotic environment, nor can they learn much if they are off task themselves. This site helps me motivate my students to be on task, resulting in a calmer, more structured environment. This helps all students be more successful. Watching the changes in the classroom environment before using this program and after is an easy way to assess the impact it has.