Internet Learning Volume 5, Number 1, Fall 2016/Winter 2017 | Page 73

Internet Learning
classrooms using real-time technology.
Since its launch in 2011, it reportedly
has more than 3 million users 5
years later (Williamson, 2016). Once a
teacher signs up for a free account, he
or she is able to assign each student a
user name. Parents are then notified of
the username and can download the
app for free. Teachers reinforce positive
behavior by awarding virtual points to
students as parents are notified in real
time.
Students can view their progress
through an internet capable device independently
or collaboratively with the
teacher. Another benefit is that the app
can be customized for a particular class.
For example, if a teacher has a class that
tends to need reinforcement in a certain
behavioral area, such as respect,
the teacher can allot increased points
for being respectful. Other areas of focus
include perseverance, participation,
helping others, and leadership to name
a few.
There have been some concerns
about this app from caregivers who feel
it is a violation of the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Parents fear that student discipline issues
will be shared with other parents/
guardians. If principals ensure that
teachers are only using the program for
positive reinforcements, these concerns
can be minimalized. The ClassDojo
website provides recommendations for
schools and explains its approaches to
protect students, parents, and teachers.
RedCritter Teacher
https://www.redcritterteacher.com/
RedCritter Teacher allows K-12 teachers
to reward face-to-face and online
students virtually for positive behavior.
Using a smartphone or computer,
parents can watch the rewards accumulate
in real-time while students can
view their progress on any internet
capable device including interactive
whiteboards in classrooms. While the
program is similar to Class Dojo, Red-
Critter Teacher is not free: plans start
at $4.99 per month. Another concern
pertains to displaying student rewards
on classroom interactive whiteboards.
Steps and precautions should be considered
before sharing student data.
The program is challenge-based
in that teachers are asked to develop
daily, weekly, or monthly challenges
for students to accomplish. For example,
a teacher may challenge his or her
students to receive a certain number of
points for behavior during a particularly
rowdy math class. If the students
accomplish their goal, the points may
be doubled. The program has received
generally strong reviews from both parents
and teachers, but the pricing of the
product makes it difficult to compete
with other services that are free. Red-
Critter does provide wearable rewards
such as badges, stickers, and wristbands,
which can be distributed to students
face-to-face or at a distance, making
the system more tangible.
72