Internet Resources

Each of the organizations listed on the previous page has a useful Web site for professional development information and activities. In addition, the following Internet resources are excellent sources of up-to-date information on professional development in the early childhood education field–

The National Center For Early Development and Learning
http://www.ncedl.org
The National Directory of Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Institutions, published by the National Center For Early Development and Learning and the Council for Professional Recognition (CDA), contains a listing of 1400 two- and four-year colleges. It is also available at http://www.cdacouncil.org/, in print from CDA, and as a Spotlight under: http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~ncedl/PDFs/spot22.pdf.

The National Center for Early Development and Learning
http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~ncedl/PAGES/wnew.htm#SpotAnchor
Spotlights are one-page summaries (double-sided) of the latest research from The National Center for Early Development and Learning. Spotlights may be downloaded and freely distributed.

The On-line Internet Institute
http://oii.org/
This Web site provides a variety of professional development tools for educators and students who use the Internet to improve classroom achievement. Four Directions for Lifelong Learning is a comprehensive document on staff development for use and integration on the Internet. The Web site also offers discussion forums, and links to sites for curriculum, technology, professional development, assessment, and the Internet Librarian, as well as template-based tools.

Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning (MCREL)
http://www.mcrel.org/
The "Educator Resources" section of the Web site provides a variety of information on professional development, including links for teacher resources, articles, and directories. Established in 1966, McREL's mission is to make a difference in the quality of education and learning for all through excellence in applied research, product development, and service.

The AT&T Learning Network Resources for Educators
http://www.att.com/foundation/programs/education.html
This Web site provides a list of links to professional development Web sites for organizations, agencies, services, and staff development issues. The links are worthwhile although they attempt to enroll you in their fee-based Virtual Academy.

From Now On: The Educational Technology Journal
http://www.fno.org/
This on-line journal, published gratis by Jamie McKenzie, features regular articles on professional development and provides a separate Web directory of staff development resources. Dr. McKenzie writes regularly for EdWeek and other educational publications.

North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL)
http://www.ncrel.org/pd
This non-profit organization specializes in educational applications of technology to improve learning. Its Web site features a professional development toolkit, video clips from award-winning Professional Development Specialists, a resource center, needs assessments, activities, planning, research, and funding links. NCREL is one of 10 Regional Educational Labs funded by the US Department of Education. Each Regional Lab has a different emphasis, yet all have some activities related to professional development.

The International Electronic Journal for Leadership in Learning (IEJLL)
http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~iejll
Founded in 1997, this refereed electronic journal is intended for a broad audience of persons interested in leadership and learning. Many articles pertain to professional development in a wide variety of educational and technological settings.