To encourage and support teachers who seek out learning opportunities that are of interest to them, we have created the WISD Professional Learning Badge program. Learn at a time convenient to you about things that you want to know about, then proudly display your badge outside your classroom. This allows your peers to see who can be a resource when they need a quick tip about a new tool. Learners can earn badges after completing a brief Google Form & showing proficiency with the tool.

If there is a badge that you are interested in and it is not on the site yet, please use the "Add a Badge" form to request that the badge be added. To see what this site is all about, click HERE.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the above topics, complete this FORM.

"So what is Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants? It's a website that's meant to be a gateway to open your classrooms to the world. Through EBTSOYP, we're aiming to not just take down classroom walls, but blast them right off! Our first year mission is to provide unique lesson experiences for tens of thousands of students across North America and around the world. Along the way creating global citizens, introducing students to exciting projects, important issues, new careers and amazing role models. These experiences can supplement curriculum, but also create experiences that will stick with students." (From the website)

Kendall Berry's class at Austin Elementary has connected with several different speakers, giving her students the opportunity to talk with experts in various fields. Kendall has also helped others on her campus connect with Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants!

The Virtual Valentines Project is designed to teach students geographical awareness and cultural understanding while connecting classrooms all around the world for Valentine's Day. Through this experience, our goal is to circumnavigate the globe with virtual Valentines greetings and cultural exchanges in order to spread a little happiness to children everywhere. Whether your students are in kindergarten or are seniors in high school, this project will help them learn something new.

For more information or to register, click on the link below.

Eric Sams, principal at NGC flipped professional learning for his campus. Adult learners viewed a quick tutorial on how to use a new web tool (VoiceThread) and then had the opportunity to participate in a Twitter chat about the tool and how the could use it with students. It was fun to see teachers helping other teachers learn to tweet! This flipped PD not only provided an opportunity to learn a new tool but also got NGC teachers connected! Way to go, NGC!

VoiceThread is an easy to use webtool that all students and staff.

If you are interested in learning how to use this tool, CLICK HERE.

What is Flocabulary?

Flocabulary is an online library of educational hip-hop songs & videos for grades K-12, intended to engage and inspire students. Read the Teaching to Inspire with Jennifer Findley blog post below about how she uses Flocabulary with her students. Then sign up to try out Flocabulary for a 75 day free trial! Let me know what you think!

Digital Learning Day was started as a way to actively spread innovative practices and ensure that all youth have access to high-quality digital learning opportunities no matter where they live. Be thinking about one thing you can do differently on this day to celebrate Digital Learning Day! Watch for ideas & more information to be sent out soon!

For more information and resources, check out Digital Learning Day!

Register for the first ever #txeduchat meet up: TXEDUCAMP hosted by Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas on February 13, 2016.

Make plans to attend the Texas Google Summit in Frisco, Texas! There will be lots of great sessions, learning & fun! Register today for TXGOO16!