WSD eToolBox

If you're like me, you act differently on different social networks. You share certain things on Facebook that you wouldn't share on Twitter. You post stuff on Pinterest that you wouldn't post on Path or share on instant message. Because of this, it's important for students (and teachers and everyone else!) to remember the proper social media etiquette that you should follow while sharing online.

Gamification is simply the application of "game" mechanics to non-game entities. The big idea here is to encourage a desired behavior. In this way, "gamification" amounts to installing mechanics or systems that recognize and reward behavior. Through increased visibility of nuance, documentation of progress, and rewarding of seemingly minor (but critical) behaviors, a specific outcome can be achieved.

An example of flipping and gamifying PD in Wissahickon School District with step-by-step directions and tips.

Inspiring educational quotes

IFTTT is a service that lets you create powerful connections with one simple statement: If this, then that. Very powerful way to combine many web and social networking services.

Flipped learning, in which students watch instructional videos for homework and use class time to apply what they've learned, is catching on in many schools. But there are still some misconceptions about this strategy, and some teachers have struggled to put it into practice. With the generous support of Adobe, we've assembled this collection of stories and resources to help you make flipped learning a success in your schools.

But in an increasingly connected and digital world, the things a student needs to know are indeed changing-fundamental human needs sometimes drastically redressed for an alien modern world. Just as salt allowed for the keeping of meats, the advent of antibiotics made deadly viruses and diseases simply inconvenient, and electricity completely altered when and where we slept and work and played, technology is again changing the kind of "stuff" a student needs to know.

Awesome collection of apps, hardware, software, websites, etc for the education community with ratings and reviews.

"Newsela is an innovative way for students to build reading comprehension with nonfiction that's always relevant: daily news. It's easy and amazing. Register now or learn more about the impact Newsela can have on your classroom."

Help and tutorial videos on Adobe software products

"Infographics are visual representations of information, data or knowledge. These graphics can be used to explain complex information quickly and clearly, such as in signs, maps, journalism, technical writing, and education. They are also used extensively as tools by computer scientists, mathematicians and statisticians to ease the process of communicating conceptual ideas."

This a self-paced, scaffolded technology integration course for educators. This course was the collaborative effort of school districts all over the nation- and the content for this course was created by technology integrators, classroom teachers, Google Apps Certified Trainers and Teachers, and ISTE award winners. All of the suggestions we give are grounded in practice- they are techniques we actually use and we know work! We've flipped this course so that you can learn when you have time, and we've created templates, videos, and resources so that you can start using those tools right away.

Regardless of the subject area, most next generation assessments require students to type many of their responses. Students need to be proficient with keyboarding skills so they will not be slowed down considerably by their own typing speed. Otherwise the assessment may not be a true measure of their content knowledge, but instead be negatively impacted by their typing proficiency.

"The purpose of this website is to collect and share free online resources that can be used to help students develop familiarity and proficiency with the technology skills they will need for next generation assessments. These resources include sample assessment items and interactive online activities that simulate the types of technology tasks students will need to complete."

On the Internet a digital footprint is the word used to describe the trail, traces or "footprints" that people leave online. This is information transmitted online, such as forum registration, e-mails and attachments, uploading videos or digital images and any other form of transmission of information - all of which leaves traces of personal information about yourself available to others online.

"Digital Passport is fun and effective. Web-based games and videos engage 3rd - 5th graders in independent learning Modules zero in on critical skills related to digital safety, respect, and community Collaborative classroom activities reinforce online lessons Students earn badges toward a Digital Passport Teachers get robust reports to demonstrate student success Currently available on the web and coming soon for mobile devices Supports responsible use policies and E-rate FREE to your school thanks to generous support from our sponsors"

Graphite™ is a free service from nonprofit Common Sense Media designed to help preK-12 educators discover, use, and share the best apps, games, websites, and digital curricula for their students by providing unbiased, rigorous ratings and practical insights from our active community of teachers.

"Digital citizenship education empowers students to make thoughtful decisions and develop a sound digital foundation for the rest of their lives. Cable in the Classroom brings you a series of free, standards-based lessons that teach key digital citizenship concepts. These lessons, for students in grades 4-8, are designed to engage students through inquiry-based activities, and collaborative and creative opportunities. Digital Citizenship is a holistic and positive approach to helping students learn how to be safe and secure, as well as smart and effective participants in a digital world. That means helping them understand their rights and responsibilities, recognize the benefits and risks, and realize the personal and ethical implications of their actions. Helping a student become a good digital citizen cuts across all curricular disciplines."

"Google Forms are amazing tools, allowing you to do some really advanced tricks with forms as the front-end and spreadsheets at the heart. Once you get started you'll be amazed at just how much you can achieve with this basic premise. Today we'll look at how to create a self-grading quiz using Google Forms. From there, you'll no doubt find a lot more ways to use forms and spreadsheets."

"By giving students the opportunity to view and playback lessons via video, you free up class time for more cognitively difficult tasks. At EdTechTeacher, we have worked with many educators on flipping their classes and have noticed some common issues that often thwart their initial forays."