Module 6 Blog Post 5

 

The two digital platforms I chose to do a case study on are Class dojo and Google classroom. I became quite an expert using Google Classroom during covid. Not only was I using it as a form of teaching while working as a teaching assistant I also had the pleasure of using it during my student teaching semester in college. I do believe I lost out on a lot of opportunities while teaching online, but fortunately I had an amazing mentor teacher and Google Classroom to help guide me. Class dojo is a platform I had never heard of before working as a second-grade teacher in a Charter school. There are so many different uses and advantages to implementing these tools in any classroom.

                                                                                      

Class Dojo is a communication app as well as a behavior management tool for teachers. Each student has their own character that they can create and change as often as they like. Teachers can assign points for different behaviors and tasks. The points are rewarded for positive behaviors and taken away during negative behaviors. They can be customized however a teacher sees fit. Some examples of positive points, homework done, being kind, working hard, and being courageous are just a few. Some examples of points that could be taken are, talking back, not being a good friend, and out of your seat are just a few. The app notifies the parent in real time of any points gained or lost throughout the day and an area where teachers can write feedback as to why they gained or lost points. This is a highly effective way in sharing communication of how their child is behaving throughout the school day. This app also includes features to encourage growth mindset, and mindfulness. The points are then used to reward the students in different ways based on their cumulative number of points.

Class dojo has many advantages as well as some disadvantages. A few advantages are, the app is completely safe, as parents hold control of their child’s account. Teacher and parent communication is in real time. Teachers can post announcements or send messages directly to parents. Students are driven to be on their best behavior to earn points throughout the day. Points can be given or taken in any class, hallway, lunch or special. All teachers in the school have access to every class. They do not need paper and pens or an endless amount of time. The app can be downloaded on a phone, iPad or other electronic device.  According to Garcia and Hoang students are instantly drawn to this management system because it provides a visual and fun tracking system that students can see (2015). Some disadvantages are that some students negatively react when seeing that they have lost points. This causes more negative behavior than before. Some students have no reaction to earning or losing points, so they do not try and behave in any particular manner.

Some required literacies that a teacher should have before implementing this app would be digital literacy skills, understanding behavior management principles and effective communication skills. I believe that this app fosters good parent and teacher relationships. Class Dojo offers so many opportunities not only for the teachers and parents but for the students as well. This holds the students accountable for their behavior throughout the day no matter what age or grade level. Conflict and misbehaviors create an atmosphere of negativity and chaos, but through teaching and encouraging positive behavior habits with positive reinforcement; only then can the optimum amount of learning take place. Through the use of Class Dojo, we have seen a significant rise in positive student behaviors. (Garcia & Hoang, 2015).  

 

Google classroom is a web-based platform that helps educators manage and streamline the digital classroom. Google developed Google Classroom under the motto “to help teachers create and collect assignments” and based on the principle “educational tools should be simple and easy to use.” (Sharda & Bajpai, 2021) Teachers using Google Classroom have the abilities to create classes, distribute assignments and communicate with students. During covid Google Classroom was a major part in the way students were able to learn. Teachers had to create virtual classes. Students and parents had to log into this platform either at specific times for live interactions with the teachers or to receive assignments. Parents played a huge role during this time. Teachers can assign assignments, quizzes, grade work, and send feedback. Teachers can also stream for announcements and monitor discussions between peers.

There are many advantages and some disadvantages to Google Classroom. Some advantages would be the easy access to assignments which can be accessed on any technological device. The platform is all digital and no paper is required. Students and teachers can keep communication open. If a student misses a day of school assignments can be posted and the student can make up the assignment. Some of the disadvantages would be lack of internet or technological devices. If a parent does not have access to either of these then their child would not be able to access Google Classroom. Parents have limited access to their child's assignments and grades. Email summaries can be sent but do not go into full detail.  All activities are automatically saved into cloud service of ‘Google Drive’ under the ‘Classroom’ folder (Sharda &Bajpai, 2021). The cloud service is a data privacy concern for parents.

Some required literacies that a teacher should have before implementing this platform would be digital literacy. They should know how to use and navigate a computer and different tools. They should also have communication skills. Teachers will need to keep up with assignments, communicate them to students, grade them and give feedback if appropriate. This platform is a great way for teachers and students to communicate any questions or concerns. It is also a great way for students to have discussions with other students. It does lack the ability to communicate effectively with parents though.

I find both Class Dojo and Google Classroom to be useful in many different ways. As technology is ever changing, we need to be ready to face the world in different ways. Although they can be extremely helpful and engaging there is always one important factor when relying on any digital platform. We must also rely on technology and the readily availability of the internet. Without both we would not be able to implement either of these platforms into our classrooms or into our students and parents’ lives.

 

 

Garcia, E., & Hoang, D. (2015). Positive Behavior Supports: Using Class Dojo as a Token Economy Point System to Encourage and Maintain Good Behaviors. (). Retrieved from Education Research Index https://sunyempire.idm.oclc.org/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Freports%2Fpositive-behavior-supports-using-class-dojo-as%2Fdocview%2F1773220001%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D8067

Sharda, P., & Bajpai, M. K. (2021). Online Learning and Teaching using Google Classroom during the COVID 19 Pandemic. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 41(5), 352–357. https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.41.5.16205