PBS Survey Finds Teachers Are Embracing Digital Resources to Propel Student Learning

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PBS LearningMedia today released findings from a national survey of pre-K-12 teachers that provides a current snapshot of how teachers are utilizing technology in America's classrooms, the types of technology teachers have access to and their attitudes toward technology. Three-quarters of teachers surveyed link educational technology to a growing list of benefits, saying technology enables them to reinforce and expand on content (74%), to motivate students to learn (74%), and to respond to a variety of learning styles (73%). Seven in 10 teachers (69%) surveyed said educational technology allows them to "do much more than ever before" for their students.

On Digital Learning Day this February 6, educators nationwide will celebrate how digital learning is positively changing education. More than two-thirds (68%) of teachers expressed a desire for more classroom technology and this number is even greater in low-income schools (75%).

"Technology is a critical part of learning and teaching in today's classrooms," commented Alicia Levi, PBS Education. "Teachers today need access to high-quality digital content to keep pace with schools' investment in interactive whiteboards, tablets and other devices to maximize the educational benefits of technology in classrooms."

Teachers are integrating digital learning into their classrooms more than ever. Nearly half (48%) of teachers surveyed reported using technology for online lesson plans, and just under half use technology to give students access to web-based educational games or activities (45%). Additionally, teachers use online video, images and articles (43%). Sixty-five percent of teachers reported that technology allows them to demonstrate something they cannot show in any other way.

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