ClassDojo Review

Although this is not an app you can download on iTunes, the fact you are able to use it through the iPad was one of the many positive reasons why I chose it for my first review. With the new school year almost upon us I thought this would be a good start for helping teachers set up their class routines.


Overview

ClassDojo Home screen

ClassDojo is a behaviour management tool that helps teachers to improve both the behaviour and the positive ethos of the class. With one touch of the iPhone, iPad or click of the computer, teachers can reward pupils instantly with points to highlight positive behaviour. This quick and easy approach can also be used to take away points for negative behaviours. The data generated allows teachers to analyse pupils' achievements and in addition share with parents and colleagues via email.

Main Positives

1. Customising
2. Mobility
3. Recording
4. Analysis & Feedback
5. Other Uses

1. Customising

ClassDojo provides teachers with greater flexibility as it allows you to customise towards the needs of the class. You can change the behaviours that you wish to focus on at anytime and you can also choose picture images to represent each behaviour. The pupils also have an opportunity to choose their own avatar (character icon) which gives the child a sense of ownership and also adds a bit of extra fun.

Customising Behaviours

2. Mobility

What I instantly loved about ClassDojo was being able to use it through my iPad (also the iPhone)  which meant I could record class behaviour from anywhere in the classroom or around the rest of the school (must have wi-fi). This saves a lot of time and effort, plus it also takes away the disruptive element of getting myself or the pupils to physically add points onto a wall chart. 

Adding points


Before using ClassDojo there were so many times where I rewarded points to a child and then forgot to put them on the chart. Now I will never need to worry again.

3. Recording

Some teachers record behaviour on pupil record sheets, spreadsheets, colour charts or even Behaviour Books but whatever method used, teachers will always grudge the time and paper wasted on recording behaviour. In addition it doesn't matter how organised you are, notes on paper or record sheets always have the potential to go missing.

So with ClassDojo you can keep all pupil records in one safe place which makes it easier for the teachers to analyse the overall progress of each child. The app will keep a breakdown of all the positive and negative behaviours observed, giving an overall percentage for each child.

At the bottom of the page you can also record notes on individuals which is certainly handy for commenting in greater detail if needed.

4. Analysis & Feedback

Looking at the Report Card in ClassDojo you are able to analyse individuals or the overall behaviour of the class. You can assess the behaviour that took place on a certain day or over a week, month or term.

The app clearly shows a breakdown of each behaviour which highlights their achievements or areas that may need supported. It also provides the opportunity for the self evaluation of teachers as you can easily see whether you are being over positive or over negative with the feedback to pupils. Being able to change the behaviours that you want to focus on means you can set individual behaviour goals for your pupils. This is very useful if you have a challenging class.

Report Card

Pupils are provided with feedback instantly on the interactive whiteboard, putting a greater emphasis on their behaviour. ClassDojo also allows you to email parents or colleagues in order to provide feedback. I am not sure how comfortable I am at emailing parents at this stage but it is a tool that I can see a use for in the future once the app is fully up and running within a school.

5. Other Uses

One added extra that is part of ClassDojo is that it lets you record the attendance. This means you have an exciting method for the pupils to enter the class every morning and self-register.

There is also the End of Year Report Card. This colourful report can be printed out and given to pupils which is a fun way to provide them with feedback.

The site itself obviously has a lot of potential and I know the creators are currently working on new additions which will help to enhance the daily routine of classroom life. So we look forward to seeing exciting new developments in the future.

The video below shows ClassDojo in action.