For Immediate Release
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Contacts: Beth Spezia, WSIU Educational Outreach Coordinator, (618) 453-5595, beth.spezia@wsiu.org
WSIU Invites Teachers to ‘Get Their Tech On’ With Digital Content and Technology Sweepstakes
Carbondale, Ill. – WSIU Public Broadcasting, a public media service of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and PBS LearningMedia, a national collection of free online content for educators, invite area PreK-16 teachers to build their digital classrooms with Get Your Tech On, an educational resource that offers webinars, professional development, and technology resources to help teachers effectively use digital content in the classroom.
Through Get Your Tech On, teachers are also invited to enter a sweepstakes to win in-person technology training, up to 30 Chromebooks and a document camera for classroom use, and a trip to the TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association) 2016 Convention & Exposition, which brings educators from across the country together each year to explore best practices for engaging students and improving educational outcomes through the use of technology. The conference will take place February 1-5, 2016 in Austin, Texas.
Teachers can access Get Your Tech On resources and enter the sweepstakes now through December 11, 2015 at http://www.getyourtechon2015.com.
New research findings from independent evaluation firm Education Development Center, Inc. demonstrate that PBS LearningMedia content has a significantly positive impact on learning. The digital resources add significant value to student knowledge, engagement, and higher-order thinking skills and help teachers work smarter and more effectively. Studies found that 90 percent of students in classrooms using PBS LearningMedia outperformed national assessment norms by 10 percentage points and state assessment norms by 11 percentage point. Students also made sizeable gains in content knowledge and critical thinking skills. The majority of teachers would recommend PBS LearningMedia in their subject areas.
Questions about the sweepstakes or assistance with PBS LearningMedia may be directed to Beth Spezia, WSIU Educational Outreach Coordinator, at beth.spezia@wsiu.org or (618) 453-5595.
About WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting is licensed to the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University and is an integral part of the College of Mass Communication & Media Arts on the Carbondale campus. The WSIU stations reach more than three million people across five states and beyond through three digital public television channels, three public radio stations, a radio information service, a website, and an education and community outreach unit.
WSIU's mission is to improve the quality of life of the people they serve. The WSIU stations partner with other community organizations to promote positive change and to support the academic and public service missions of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Learn more and get the latest station news online at wsiu.org and on WSIU's Facebook and Twitter pages.
WSIU's programs and services are partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
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