Introduction: Transforming Learning with Technology
At St. Wilfrid’s Primary School in York, England, Dan Jones, a dedicated Year 6 teacher, has been harnessing the power of Seesaw Learning for over seven years. With a strong commitment to student achievement and innovative teaching strategies, Mr. Jones credits Seesaw as a key factor in his success by integrating it effectively into daily classroom activities. “If you said to me you could only have one app in school, I’d say Seesaw is it,” he shares. “It’s so flexible.”
Daily Integration for Consistent Results
Mr. Jones uses Seesaw on a day-to-day basis with his 1:1 Chromebook classroom setup. Seesaw has become a cornerstone for high-quality instruction in Maths, Spelling, and Reading. Early in the school day, when time might otherwise be spent on administrative tasks, students engage in targeted activities. His blended learning classroom is made possible through Seesaw. This helps students reinforce skills and knowledge in core subjects and maximize instructional time.
“Consistent use every single day in Math, Spelling, and Reading has led to clear improvements that I can see within Seesaw and then in the test scores,” Mr. Jones explains. By leveraging Seesaw’s digital portfolio capabilities, students’ progress is both visible and measurable over time. Listening to students read in September compared to May demonstrates remarkable growth, and they make clear improvements in math fluency as they complete math facts faster and with greater accuracy.
Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom
Seesaw has proven to be a valuable tool for bridging the gap between school and home. Families play an active role in supporting their children’s learning through Seesaw’s communication and multimedia features.
Parents particularly appreciate the instructional videos Mr. Jones records, such as his demonstration of long multiplication. These videos ensure parents understand the methods taught in class, allowing them to provide effective support at home. “It helps families see how it’s being taught and how to replicate it,” he says. As a result, students engage in more productive work outside of school and parents feel more connected to their children’s education.
Building a Learning Community
Seesaw fosters a collaborative learning environment for both students and parents. Students are encouraged to share their work through the platform, creating a sense of pride and accountability. “Most of what they do in their books they hold up, take a picture, and put in Seesaw because they want their parents to see it,” Mr. Jones notes.
The platform’s commenting feature enables students to engage with each other’s work and continue learning outside of school hours. Mr. Jones often invites his students to share their experiences and insights in the comments. This creates a forum that deepens their understanding and fosters collaboration while growing digital literacy skills.
Enhancing Teaching Efficiency
For Mr. Jones, Seesaw is not just a tool for student learning but also a way to streamline communication and classroom management. Scheduled messages and reminders replace traditional paper notes, making it easier for families to stay informed. Whether it’s a reminder to bring a swimming kit or an update on reading progress, Seesaw simplifies the process. “The communication with parents has completely transformed the way that we work,” he reflects.
Integrating Seesaw with Other Apps
Mr. Jones combines Seesaw with other educational tools to enhance learning outcomes. Using other tools alongside Seesaw, students practice, document, and reflect on their work. Seesaw’s built in multimodal tools such as voice recording, photo, and annotation features enable students to capture their learning journey.
The Impact on SATs Success
The real measure of Seesaw’s success at St. Wilfrid’s is the consistent improvement in SATs results. From tracking math fluency to listening to students’ reading progress, the evidence is recorded and celebrated. Even during absences, students can stay on track by accessing lessons and submitting work through Seesaw, minimizing disruptions to their learning.
A Model for Effective Technology Integration
Mr. Jones’ innovative use of Seesaw exemplifies how technology can transform teaching and learning. By integrating Seesaw into daily routines, extending learning into the home, and building a supportive community, he has created an environment where students thrive. As Mr. Jones proudly states, “It creates that little community to keep the learning going.”
Seesaw’s impact at St. Wilfrid’s demonstrates its potential to empower educators and students worldwide, making it an essential tool for modern classrooms.
