Usage: it's not something i need to purchase as a teacher - it is something administrators would make this decision about.
Strengths: it makes reporting easy and efficient and all in one place. since it operates through the cloud, it can also be accessed through smartphones, which is convenient.
Suggestions for Improvement: 1. connecting it to current reporting databases in school boards
2. use in multiple languages
3. specific features teachers can choose to use, instead of needing to purchase the entire product
Verdict: it seems to be very comprehensive and accessible for users. it takes into account accessibility through mobile devices, parent access, and ease of reporting.
Usage: Track student progress and attendance
Strengths: The interface looks user friendly. It tracks relevant info and makes it accessible. It is also very cost effective.
Suggestions for Improvement: 1) customization of feedback in attendance. (Eg reasons why) and printable charts of data for parents.
2) link to existing platforms eg Google to avoid further logins for parents as this is a deterrent.
Verdict: Time saver and communication assistance tool for parents and admin
Usage: This product would have to be pitched to someone with buying power at the Board level.
Strengths: Cloud based data storage would be ideal for access though there is such a concern already about security surrounding private data any time. The CEO assured potential clients that the company uses military grade security in order to protect data.
Suggestions for Improvement: Raising concerns about what to do with students who are 18 and older as privacy laws preclude schools from communicating with the parents unless there is expressed and explicit consent from the student.
This product needs to sync with any sort of report card generator.
Not sure if giving teacher access from outside the school is an entirely good idea. This becomes another security concern and it is also a concern of work life balance concerns for the educator.
Verdict: I have concerns about whether the features that come with this product are indeed compatible with my board's current practices of data gathering.
Usage: I would use it if I'm building a classroom website or a school website so that it advertises their achievement and their work.
Strengths: I would definitely recommend it because you can use it as a good independent and cooperating tool so that students can learn from each other. I also like that teachers can track where they are getting wrong and monitor their progress as time goes.
Suggestions for Improvement: First, the cost should be lowered so that many teachers can access it. Second, they should build a portfolio so that teachers can navigate the website easily and effectively.
Verdict: I like the idea behind it but it's very expensive to get Gold membership so I would not likely purchase it for classroom use. Preferably for building school website.
Usage: I did not see the efficiency or the purpose of this product. Presentation was not clear on how this product could be used or how it could be useful to me
Strengths: Did not understand the concept of this product enough to give any strengths
Suggestions for Improvement: 1) find a way to present the concept of the product to demonstrate
a) what its main purpose is
b) how it benefits me as a teacher
c) how it benefits the teaching community
d) how do I use it
Verdict: Did not understand product presentation
Do not like that interaction is limiting communication with parents. Face-to-Face is important
Usage: As a software database for learning and sharing
Strengths: Secure network and user firendly
Suggestions for Improvement: 1) allow more storage for cheaper costs
2) Allow parents and students to use
3) make it a virtual classroom
Verdict: It is school sensitive so it is great fo store sensitive data. It increased parents comunication
Usage: - as a great time management tool
- great tool of school/teacher/parent communication
-would post homework, notes, memos, news and progress of student
Strengths: -- quick and private communication between home and school
- saves time and keeps one organized
-great way to maintain communication during busy times
Suggestions for Improvement: - accessible throughout board
- make it school wide use
-provide training and support to users
- make it available to our tcdsb
Verdict: - i would recommend it for efficient and private communication between school and home
- would provide time-saving tool of organization and communication
- private without using your personal text or e-mails
Usage: I would use it to send reminders to parents.
Strengths: I like the fact that teachers do not have to use this to respond to parents' concerns. It is an option.
Suggestions for Improvement: I would suggest that it be stated that parents will respond to concerns via phone,
Verdict: I would prefer to have it stated that teachers would not be responding via this communication tool.
Usage: -school management service
-communicate important information with students and parents
-teachers can use it to post grades
-teachers can hold virtual meeting with the parents
Strengths: -great to manage school website
-decrease IT cost
-increase parent communication and accessibility
Suggestions for Improvement: -wouldn't be appropriate for teachers to use for their personal classroom website
Verdict: -It would be great for private schools as it is a great for managing school website
Usage: It seems like a great idea but after finding out it needs to be implemented school wide/ board wide, I am not at liberty to make that decision. The concept is great though.
Strengths: Increases parent, teacher communication. Data security.
Suggestions for Improvement: Again working for the public board it is out of my hands to implement this.
Verdict: It seems like it is a time saver, which teachers love.