Discovery Education Leading Effort to Meet Presidential Challenge to Bring Digital Textbooks to American Classrooms Today

SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Indicative of the growing movement toward digital textbooks, Florida has approved the Discovery Education Science Elementary Techbook for Florida for classroom use. Florida joins Indiana, Louisiana and Oregon in adopting Discovery Education's digital science service as the core instructional resource for elementary science instruction.  These approvals, through state textbook adoption processes, empower educators with dynamic digital resources that meet the evolving learning styles of today's students. Supporting the creation of 21st Century learning environments, the Discovery Education Techbook leverages children's natural interest in technology to ignite a love of science.

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Discovery Education is a division of Discovery Communications, whose networks include Discovery Channel, Science Channel, and Animal Planet.

"Last night, President Obama, in his State of the Union address, challenged the country to connect students to the future with dynamic, engaging instructional resources like digital textbooks," said Bill Goodwyn, CEO, Discovery Education.  "We support this vision and, as a result of our partnership with school districts across the country for the past decade, we are thrilled to deliver today a ready-to-implement digital techbook that meets the challenge of preparing students with the skills needed to compete in tomorrow's increasingly competitive global economy."

Intended to replace traditional textbooks as the new primary instructional resource for elementary schools, each edition of the Discovery Education Techbook series is built to address individual state science standards. In addition to vivid digital content, a real-time assessment component included within the Techbook measures student progress and recommends individualized resources that reinforce classroom instruction.

As a holistic learning system, the Techbook integrates the nature of science and inquiry into every phase of learning.  With stunning videos, colorful text passages and interactive simulations, the Techbook kindles student interest in how science relates to their everyday life, stimulates critical thinking and deepens students' understanding of core concepts.

Aiding implementation of this new service is a variety of teacher resources. Ranging from valuable refreshers on science content for educators to full days of custom, in-person staff development, these resources build educators' capacity to leverage the power of digital content to engage students.  

Finally, the Discovery Education Science Techbook is a substantially less expensive option per student than textbooks, with additional savings derived from a lack of textbook replacement or inventory costs.

"I'm challenged each day to create a stimulating 21st century learning environment that engages my tech-savvy students," said School District of Osceola County (Fla.) science teacher Debbie Bohanan. "A rich digital resource like the Discovery Education Science Techbook has the ability to transform my instruction and bring the wonderful world of science alive for all my students, regardless of their learning style."

"We are confident these innovative digital resources will empower educators today to encourage and nurture the scientific talents of their elementary school students and stimulate the important skills they will need to be successful in tomorrow's workforce," continued Goodwyn.

Discovery Education is the leading provider of high quality curriculum-based digital content, professional development and assessment resources whose services are scientifically shown to improve student academic achievement. For more information about the Discovery Education Science Techbook, visit www.discoveryeducation.com or call 800-323-9084.

About Discovery Education

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education.  Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement.  Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services.  Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

SOURCE Discovery Education