Monday 10 August 2015

Say hi to Class Story!

As of last Thursday (06-08-15), ClassDojo launched their latest feature: Class Story. It's a new, and fun way to share with everyone what you and your kiddos are up to! Class newsletters aren't so hard anymore. Reminders just got easier. Sharing success stories is even more exciting now. Wow!

Along with the usual text that you'd normally send, now you can include photos and videos too. You can still see which parents have read it, and they also have a heart to click on if they like a post. I do like that one.

What I most love about this feature is that I can send reminders with a picture! I do this because it takes away the "pestering" feel that reminders are often associated with. And you know what? You could get really creative and send newsletter items over Dojo. Saves you some time, but also ensures that everyone's going to read it!

As a specialist teacher, I love being able to communicate with parents who I don't get to see all that often. Sometimes though, I do wish I was back in the classroom so that I could implement some other amazing ideas I have (what do you mean? Of course they're amazing!). I'm sure the parents would love to see those! But alas, they shall have to keep dealing with my Science posts. Which really, aren't all that bad...

I do apologise that this is such a short post :( And I do remember that I promised more on Groups as well. So you know... They will come!!! In the mean time though, go get re-acquainted with Dojo :)


Monday 3 August 2015

Twitter for Teachers

Part of my role as a ClassDojo Ambassador is to participate in and host Twitter chats. I was surprised by such a thing. Before this year, my experience of Twitter was that it's just another procrastination destination. I had created an account years ago, and never did anything with it. Until some months ago. Now I am hooked! It is an amazing platform for connecting with educators all over the world. I have learnt so much, and have definitely drawn inspiration from them.

There are so many Twitter chats you can join, and  also build your own PLNs. I am currently participating in #dojochatANZ, #aussieED#asiaED, and #includEDau. Fantastic educators, and a range of topics each week.

Now, not to blow my own horn or anything, but I am super proud of #includEDau. Along with another Tweep (which I learnt is what you call Twitter users), whom I met through #dojochatANZ (see?? Networking, not time-wasting!), we started #includEDau as a chat to focus on students with disabilities, and to support educators in creating inclusive classrooms. We've only been live three weeks, but the feedback has been amazing! I never realised we would gain momentum so quickly. 

Anyway, just wanted to share that last little bit, hehe. But seriously, if you're an educator, I highly recommend it as a networking platform. Get out there, don't be afraid to ask questions. After all, aren't we life-long learners? Here's a reminder ;)