Some of you may have seen this post a while ago, where I discussed how I thought Class Dojo could be a great tool. Now, after my first 8 week placement, I have some experience with it and wanted to leave a few comments, a little review of sorts.
The first thing to say is that I overestimated the website/app. It records the merits/demerits of your class, and shows them in real time. Initially I had assumed there was a lot more to ClassDojo, but I was so caught up in the prospect of the idea that I assumed there was more to it. ClassDojo does what it intends to do well, however, in my opinion, it's utility is pretty dependent on teachers having the app to be able to update on the fly. Otherwise, when away from the board/computer, teachers must go back, perhaps switch through a few windows, and the merit/demerit is delayed, and loses effect. The app is available on Android and iOS, so most smartphones and tablets can handle it, although I only have a smartphone, and there is something very unprofessional feeling about pulling a phone out in the middle of a lesson. This pretty much restricted me from being able to use it during placement.
The app also does not allow you to make changes to your class, or your merits/demerits, which, although only a minor issue, did in fact bother me. Additionally you cannot, through the app OR website, change your children's avatars. This, to me is a big issue, as I feel ownership and customisation of digital avatars is one of their biggest draws, and most key features when using one. To me, not including this aspect (perhaps it will be present in a future update), is a real mistake on the developers part, but is not the end of the world. There is some small customisation, buying "cool" avatars, but I feel this could easily be expanded upon.
The data tracking and report generating facilities however, are great however, and their utility is obvious, especially when combined with the parent/pupil logins that can be created. These allow pupils to check in at home, and parents to easily see their children's progress at any time.Overall, it IS a useful tool to have, but for me, it is in need of further development before I personally being to implement it in class.
http://c.classdojo.com/img/logo2.jpg

What can I say? I love to draw.
It has taken me a while to get used to using a Promethean board, as I am used to using SMART Boards, but now I have gotten the hang of it, it isn't too bad. I still prefer the SMART boards, for their functionality, responsiveness, the ability to use a finger rather than a pen, and the software itself, but each type has its own merits.
Just having an IWB saved a significant amount of time setting up before whole class teaching, and offers the best parts of a flip chart, whiteboard, and projector all in one. Plus Year 1 loved being allowed to come up to write or click to answer questions during whole class teaching. Of course, some of the smaller children needed a bit of help reaching icons near the top of the screen, but that's one of the many benefits of an IWB, being able to easily rearrange objects on screen. 
For me though, as little as it is, being able to add some personal flair to lessons with drawing (see below) and interactivity to help engage the children made a big difference. The WALT and WILF below were changed to aliens this week (we normally have ClipArt hedgehogs) and the children loved them. I found they referred back to the board rather than sitting waiting for instructions a lot more, and even spotted a few of them mimicking the orange alien and his magnifying glass to remind each other to check their work! Having been pushing them to work more independently for weeks, a few children making this tiny step made a big difference.
It really is no wonder that every school I visit seems to have invested in one. I only have the three pictures below, but hopefully I'll have more on my next placement!