ClassDojo

ClassDojo is a free educational app that offers a wide-ranging suite of tools and services to simplify teacher-to-parent communication, to effectively manage classroom behavior, and to promote student engagement and creativity. Such an array of features makes it an excellent 'one-stop shop' to meet the needs of any classroom.

The app's messaging feature makes it easy for teachers to stay in touch with parents in a variety of ways. They can send texts to individual parents or post notifications about important upcoming dates to everyone. Additionally, teachers can share photos or videos, giving parents a 'peek' into the classroom and a chance to see "wonderful classroom moments" as they happen. This aspect has the potential to strengthen ties between home and school.

In classroom, teachers can promote positive student behavior by awarding Dojo points, which could easily be translated into prizes, privileges, or other incentives. Teachers can customize this feature, deciding what kinds of behaviors or skills they want their students to practice. This "gamification" aspect could certainly be highly motivating for young students.

Perhaps best of all, the recently added Student Portfolio offers a space where students can showcase their creativity by using in-app tools to complete assigned activities. Students can write journal entries, create videos, drawings, or diagrams all in the app. And to support these activities and promote additional student engagement, the comment system allows for immediate teacher and peer feedback.

Finally, the app's website provides additional resources to support teachers as they learn to incorporate the app into their classrooms. Certainly, this app would work well in any tech-friendly elementary classroom as it offers something for teachers, students, and parents.