Description:
In spring 2012, WestEd conducted an evaluation of three Teaching Tips online professional development modules. The Teaching Tips modules were created at Boston University with the goal of supporting the effective integration of PBS KIDS educational media within in-service teachers' existing classroom curriculum. The study is part of WestEd's larger evaluation activities for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Public Broadcasting Service through the Ready To Learn (RTL) grant. The PBS-CPB Ready To Learn grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and supports the development of educational digital media for preschool and early elementary school children and their families. The goal of the grant is to promote early learning and school readiness, with a particular interest in reaching children from families in low-income communities. The purpose of the study is to explore the effectiveness of the Teaching Tips modules in increasing teachers' use of technology and PBS KIDS digital content and improving student engagement. The evaluation addressed the following research questions: 1. Were the modules effective in increasing teachers' use of technology and PBS KIDS digital content in their instruction? 2. Did teachers have increased ease and motivation in using PBS KIDS digital content as a part of their classroom instruction? 3. Did the use of the modules and PBS KIDS digital content increase student engagement in lessons in mathematics? (author abstract)
Resource Type:
Reports & Papers
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Country:
United States