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
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
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