Class Dojo

Class Dojo is an online interactive classroom management system, which can be accessed though and device with Internet access. The program allows teachers to set up different behaviors which students will strive to excel in each day. At the beginning of the year the teacher would set up a Class Dojo account and create a class list. The students will be given a special code which will allow them to go online and create a unique avatar, which will be used as a representation of themselves.

After setting up a class list, the teacher can then select and create the types of behavior he or she would like to track. These behaviors could be paying attention, coming to class prepared, finishing class assignments  helping others and so on. When a teacher notices a student performing the specific behavior, the teacher can then award points to students. The teacher can also take away points when students are showing negative behavior.This is a great way for teachers to  monitor the type of feedback both negative and positive they are giving to students. At the elementary level, teachers try to use more positive acknowledgement of behavior than negative. As a teacher you can also monitor which students you focus on the most. 

Below is a video,which teachers could share with students before beginning Class Dojo:

                            

One of the greatest impacts  Class Dojo can have on a classroom, is it allows students to be responsible for their own behavior and can keep track of their performance, in fun game-like manner. A great way to use this application would be to set goals for students, and when they receive a certain number of points then they will be rewarded in a particular way. Many teachers use this system as a way to motivate students and encourage them to show positive behavior.

Next year, I plan on using this system and set goals for each student. Each time a student has reached 10 points they will get to go to the treasure chest, then they will continue to strive to reach 20 points and so on. 

An additional feature of the application is it's not only accessible to teacher and students, but parents can also go online and view their child's behavior at any given time. Teachers also have the option of printing off reports to send home with the students, which will show their parents both positive and negative behaviors they are showing. The report will also give a percentage of both negative and positive points the students received. The teacher can also write in comments about a specific event or day to share with parents. 

After reviewing many blogs written by teachers, it is clear that Class Dojo is a helpful classroom management tool. My 3rd grade team and myself, plan on using this program next year. Luckily, our school district recently bought each teacher grade Kindergarten through third grade iPad's. Having access to this mobile device will be a great help, because as a teacher I can carry the iPad around the room with me to constantly have access to Class Dojo. I can also project the students points on the smart board, so throughout the day the students can see how they have progressed through  their day. 


It is my hope that by using Class Dojo, my students will become more aware and actively involved in making good personal choices. By doing so, my class will run more smoothly, because classroom behavior issues will be at a minimum