Grunwald Associates who conduct research surveys published a report last week regarding Pre-K teachers’ use of the digital media. I found the information very interesting and felt you would too. For the first time, this survey group surveyed Pre-K teachers. The survey reflects the views of 1,418 fulltime classroom teachers (1,212 K-12 public school teachers and 206 Pre-K teachers in public and private schools). The sample size included teachers in urban, suburban, and rural regions and in districts of all sizes.

Some of the findings are:

• The use of digital media in the classroom by Pre-K teachers is not as common as it is among K-12 teachers. Only one-third (33%) reported use.
• Only one-third (36 percent) of Pre-K teachers have computers with internet access in their classrooms. However, 8 out of 10 (81 percent) K-12 have computer and internet access in their classrooms.
• Twenty-nine percent of the Pre-K teachers are far less likely to rely on the internet for content. When they do they are searching for games and activities to use in the classroom.
• As a whole, Pre-K teachers agree that digital media is more effective when it is integrated into instruction.

From this survey, it appears there is a digital divide among the America’s teachers as well. To view the report in its entirety, go to http://www.grunwald.com/pdfs/Educators-Technology-21stCentury-Skills.pdf

Lisa Guernsey with Early Ed Watch, informed us on July 19 that the U.S. Department of Education has added a new page to its website for those interested in early learning issues. The Early Learning Initiative web page is a place where “readers can find out about funding opportunities, programs, and events, and also view webinars, and read policy issues.”

The first topic of the web page is the 2010 U.S. Department of Education Reading Institute. This is a conference being held currently in Anaheim, CA. Viewers will be able to see some sections of the conference. What a great way to begin using this webpage. Go to www.ed.gov.