Artifacts


 * Student responses via[| online discussion threads]


 * Copyright PSA [[file:copyright glazier(1).docx]]


 * **Class Dojo Blog Post (Or: my reflections on how technology may or may not help classroom management)**

Idea Share: Class Dojo
April 18, 2012 Classroom management is tricky for everyone. (That is, unless you’re one of those special, amazingly charismatic types [think Robin Williams in //Dead Poets Society// or Jim Jones] who just seems to have people hanging onto your every word — in which case, I hate you very, very much.) There is no worse management situation than when a teacher has to work with a small group (or one-on-one) in the classroom while the rest of his/her students are supposed to be “independently working.” Those of you who find yourself in this situation (I have to do it for 40 minutes everyday) might be interested in the online management tool Class Dojo.
 * Management Stinks:**

I think [|Mr. Lane] does an excellent job explaining all of the “How To’s” in this Youtube tutorial. (I don’t know who Mr. Lane is, but his Scottish accent makes me feel that he is somehow more qualified on this subject than I am.) Essentially, Class Dojo turns your class into individual monster avatars that you can project on your Smart Board (or regular projector) in front of the class. When you set up your class you can program in specific negative and positive behaviors that show up on the screen. The website can be used manually on the computer or via smartphone. When you scroll across a student’s name, you choose a behavior and either a green +1 or a red -1 appears next to their avatar. For example, if I’m conferencing with a group and Johnny is out of his seat, I simply hit “Johnny” on my phone, choose “Out of Seat” on my negative behaviors list, and his avatar appears with a negative 1 on the board.
 * What is it?**
 * But if you’re reading this at school and Youtube and Facebook are blocked…**
 * Pros:**
 * Kids really, really love the avatars. I teach sixth graders, but I’ve seen eighth graders brag about getting the “cute monster.”
 * You can recognize the good kids for being good . (And when the kids hear the little ‘bing’ of someone getting a positive point, you can bet even the worst misfits sit up straight and read their silent reading books)
 * You can choose your own behaviors depending on what happens in your class.
 * You can establish a reward system based on the points (I give out bonus points if anyone gets more than 4 positive points, and take away points for those with more than -2)
 * When you really can’t narrate the class, it’s a good reminder to students that you can still actually see them
 * It’s very easy to use. When I’m doing guided reading conferences, I simply keep my phone out on the table and swipe over a child’s name when we’re discussing a point or when a group members are answering questions.
 * Cons (And Warning Labels):**

-For the many first year teachers: Are you having management troubles? What are you doing to help yourself? Would you consider trying something like Class Dojo or another online management system? -Does using a technological device for behavioral management somehow take away from the authority of the teacher?
 * Class Dojo is **NOT** a replacement for a larger management system or the Behavior Management Cycle (check out Lee Canter’s [|book] or one of his videos if you’re having issues).
 * Class Dojo really shouldn’t be used during direct instruction, nor should it replace any behavior narrations you’re already doing. (I’ve seen teachers do it and it’s just very distracting and ineffectual.) It’s really only good for independent work time or sustained silent reading.
 * You really need to know your kids. Some students will see a negative next to their name and immediately stop talking to their neighbor and get on task. Other students will see a negative and have a total meltdown, or decide to give up for the rest of the period. (These are the kids you need to catch “doing good” really early in the period). It’s a fine line and it’s easy to screw up.
 * The iPhone App often freezes or has lag time (I’ve heard the one for Android is much better though)
 * Questions, Comments, Concerns:**