Using Digital Tools to Integrate the 4C's in an Elementary Classroom

As part of my master’s program, I found myself researching how to best align technology to meet the needs of learners and the purposes of instruction.  Adding to my research, I have had the opportunity to analyze the results of staff and student technology surveys.  One area that caught my attention was for integrating the 4Cs (collaboration, creativity, communication, critical thinking) into our learner’s experiences.  Within this area, one idea stood out:  teachers asking students to collaborate online with students at other schools.  86% of students (K-5) have never had this experience in the Elmbrook School District.  Why does this matter?  Research notes, “Online collaboration contributes to improved graduation rates and other academic improvements,” allowing students to connect with a much wider audience than the face-to-face interactions in their own classrooms (Greaves et al., 2010).

Brightbytes Survey Results 2016-2017

While this may be important, teachers are faced with a bigger problem of how?  So many teachers have found successful ways to do this.  However, just getting started, I wanted to start small.  Lower elementary grades (K-2) can be tricky, as above all I wanted the platform to be safe and secure.  This is why I chose Seesaw.  Seesaw according to their site is, “a student-driven digital portfolio that empowers students to independently document what they are learning at school.”  Seesaw allows parents to connect, view, and comment on their child’s work.  It includes a microphone feature which allows users to record their voices or comments which is great for emerging readers.  Last, it has a connected blog feature.  This allows teachers to connect with other classrooms, view their blog within Seesaw, as well as post comments/share  pending teacher approval.  

While this is a small step, I have already begin to see huge payoffs.  Slowly, my learners are becoming global learners.  These connections and collaborations are leading to classroom video chats, read alouds, and experiences that begins to integrate the 4Cs without the feeling of “one more thing.”  An easy win for teachers and for our learners!  While there are many different ways and tools that can help integrate the 4Cs, Seesaw is just one way I wanted to share that has worked for me.  Also another pro - it’s free!  To learn more about Seesaw visit their site here.  

Submitted by Heather Kollmansberger, 1st grade teacher at Tonawanda Elementary