Technology and Teacher Observations

A growing trend is for principals to use iPads and other mobile devices to gather information when they observe teacher. A number of apps are now available, some customized for individual school districts. They make it easier and more efficient for principals to gather information and share it with teachers. We have not used, nor recommend, any of these apps but we have talked with principals who routinely use them in their work. Note that not every app is compatible with every mobile device.

Here are just a few of the observation apps on the market.

• eWalk (www.media-x.com/ProductseWalk.html)
• GoObserve (http://observe.goknow.com/)
• Observation 360 (www.schoolimprovement.com/products/observation360)
• LookFor Classroom Observations (http://lookforapp.com/index.php)
• Teachscape Walk (www.teachscape.com/products/walkthrough)

We'd enjoy hearing from you about your use of mobile devices to gather and share information during your classroom observations.