SOUTH CAROLINA’S STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVES DISCOVERY EDUCATION’S CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS TECHBOOKS FOR STATEWIDE USE
– Adoption of Chemistry and Physics Digital Textbooks Further Empowers South Carolina Educators to Create Modern Learning Environments –
SILVER SPRING, Md. (January 11, 2016) – Following a comprehensive evaluation, the South Carolina State Board of Education has approved the Chemistry and Physics editions of the Discovery Education Science Techbook™ for statewide use as a core instructional resource through its state adoption process. An award-winning digital textbook series, Discovery Education’s Techbooks are aligned to rigorous standards, support a comprehensive curriculum, and include professional development. Currently, Discovery Education Techbooks are used by more than 3 million students in all 50 U.S. states and several Canadian provinces.
School districts across South Carolina now have the option to use State Board of Education approved instructional materials funding to purchase and integrate these digital textbooks, which are 100% aligned toSouth Carolina Academic Standards and Performance Indicators for Science, into teaching and learning. The award-winning Discovery Education Textbook series is a fully interactive digital solution that replaces traditional textbooks. Currently, all K-5 and 6-8 Discovery Education Science Techbook courses, as well as the Biology course for high school, have been approved as core instructional resources for classroom use statewide by the South Carolina State Board of Education.
Discovery Education’s Science Techbooks were developed by a dedicated team of expert science educators with the input of teachers and administrators from around the nation. The Techbook’s rich, standards-aligned content includes video, audio, text and interactives with hands-on activities, as well as virtual labs that help classroom teachers differentiate instruction and create rich and engaging learning experiences for all students. Techbooks are also a substantially less expensive option per student at nearly half the cost of a traditional textbook, with additional savings derived from a lack of textbook replacement or inventory costs.
The Science Techbooks also include valuable STEM resources. STEM Project Starters encourage students to connect math, technology, and engineering to their understanding of science concepts to produce creative solutions to real world problems. In addition, the STEM In Action resources help students connect their work to STEM careers, which promotes a clearer understanding of how skills used in school can be applied to jobs “in the real world.” Embedded formative assessment opportunities that help educators monitor student progress are embedded into each Techbook, and like all Discovery Education digital textbooks, the Science Techbooks work on any device and can be implemented in any instructional setting.
Embracing a philosophy of three-dimensional learning, Discovery Education’s Science Techbooks help educators integrate digital resources into their classroom practice. The Model Lessons within the Science Techbooks reflect the interconnectedness of the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI) and Cross-Cutting Concepts (CCC) and illustrate what these mean in practice for educators. Students using the Physics and Chemistry Techbooks will become immersed in phenomenon-driven, relevant learning experiences, develop their own scientific explanations through a variety of activities such as exploring the overarching themes of science, learn to ask questions and make claims, and identify the cross-cutting connections between sciences.
Discovery Education understands that teacher engagement is critical to the implementation of successful learning initiatives. Therefore, research-based professional development that supports educators as they integrate new digital content and resources into classroom instruction is available to teachers using the Techbook. The Discovery Education Community, a global community of education professionals, further connects teachers and administrators around the world with social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events that inspire innovation and facilitates idea sharing.
A study conducted by independent research firm Merola Research, LLC found that usage of the Science Techbook is associated with higher science achievement scores in South Carolina elementary school students. After one year of implementation in the state’s Rock Hill Schools, fourth grade students whose teachers used Discovery Education Science Techbook scored higher on average on the 2013 Science Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (PASS) than students whose teachers did not use Science Techbook. Additional research conducted by the Rock Hill Schools demonstrates three years of continued academic growth among 4th, 6thand 7th grade students. To view this research, visit: http://www.discoveryeducation.com/RockHill.
“Discovery Education thanks the South Carolina State Board of Education for their rigorous review and adoption of the Chemistry and Physics editions of the Science Techbook,” said Rob Warren, Vice President of Education Partnerships at Discovery Education. “South Carolina’s educators are among the nation’s leaders in building dynamic digital learning environments, and the powerful and engaging high quality digital content recently approved by the state’s board of education further supports that mission.”
For more information on the Science Techbooks available for use in South Carolina’s classrooms, visitwww.discoveryeducation.com/SCScience. For information on other services and resources from Discovery Education, visit www.discoveryeducation.com.
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About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, professional development, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Serving 4.5 million educators and over 50 million students, Discovery Education’s services are in half of U.S. classrooms, 50 percent of all primary schools in the UK, and more than 50 countries. Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that increase academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.
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EDmarket Releases New Study on EDtech Distribution
(Silver Spring, MD) — The Education Market Association (EDmarket) released of a newly-published study, EDtech Distribution in an Evolving Marketplace, featuring data gathered from interviews with key industry leaders conducted by researchers at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The report, sponsored in part by Stages Learning Materials, provides the most current information available on the shifting nature of the K-12 market for EDtech products.
Key Findings:
- Demand-side partners are on the rise including Educational Service Agencies (ESAs), Short Term Trial Innovation Hubs (i-Hubs), Vendor Marketplaces and Review Platforms.
- 90% of EDtech leaders interviewed referenced the lack of a Single Sign-On—simple access in one place to all technology products a school is using—as a huge pain point for schools.
- Enthusiasm for Open Educational Resources (OER) is increasing for teachers, principals, and district leaders, but quality OER needs to be curated so that schools are not overwhelmed with choices.
“There is no shortfall of great ideas and new EDtech products that are being developed, funded and designed, but there is not a clear understanding of how to profitably take these products to market and get them in the hands of the students and teachers who can benefit from these innovations,“ says Jim McGarry, President/CEO of EDmarket. “This study will help companies better understand the shifting nature of the K-12 market for EDtech products and to understand how to navigate this complex marketplace.”
This report is available free to EDmarket members as a membership benefit; nonmembers may purchase a copy. To obtain a preview copy for media coverage, please send an email to adayton@edmarket.org or call (800) 395-5550, ext. 1031. Full credit must be given to EDmarket. No re-sale or distribution of this copyrighted material to any party outside your organization is permitted.
The Education Market Association connects people who want to succeed in the education market by providing events, resources and leadership to those serving education. For more information on the Education Market Association, please visit http://www.edmarket.org.
Early-Stage Education Startups Pitch to Leaders in Business, Investment and Learning Sectors
Jan. 11, 2017, AUSTIN, Texas – SXSWedu® unveiled the 10 Launch competition startup finalists in the countdown to the 2017 Conference & Festival which begins March 6th. The competition, which spans two days, is one of the premier components of the event and showcases early-stage companies from around the world that are dedicated to supporting teaching and learning. Over the past five years, SXSWedu’s popular Launch competition has featured startups that have gone on to receive millions in funding and impact learning across the country.
After a rigorous selection process led by the Launch Advisory Board Committee, 10 early-stage education companies have been selected for the sixth annual Launch competition at SXSWedu. Finalists will compete in two rounds of pitching before a panel of judges and will receive guidance and mentoring from industry leaders. Through this exercise, they will learn key tips and refine their pitches each step of the way. The winner of the competition will be chosen and announced on Wednesday, March 8th at the Launch Party & Winner Announcement hosted by Walton Family Foundation.
This year’s top 10 finalists are:
- • Adjunct Professor Link (Valparaiso, IN)
- • ALEX, Anyone’s Learning Experience (Washington Township, NJ)
- • ASD Reading (Las Vegas, NV)
- • Cell-Ed (Palo Alto, CA)
- • LlamaZOO (Victoria, BC)
- • Quizling – the Knowledge Game! (Canberra, Australia)
- • Sown to Grow (Oakland, CA)
- • Teachers Connect (Boston, MA)
- • The Graide Network (Chicago, IL)
- • The Whether powered by Better Weekdays (Saint Louis, MO)
“Each year the Launch competition highlights the intersection of creativity and innovation in the education sector,” said Ron Reed, Director, SXSWedu. “We are delighted to provide a platform where early-stage startups get exposed to new ideas and leaders who can support their continued development. The unique interaction between educators, administrators and business leaders at the event helps form the groundwork for these startups to build impactful companies that serve the larger learning community.” SXSWedu Conference & Festival • March 6-9, 2017 • Austin, Texas • SXSWedu.com
Past winners of SXSWedu Launch Program include: ELSA (2016), Zaption (2015), RobotLAB (2014), Clever (2013), BloomBoard (2012). ELSA (2016), which stands for English Language Speech Assistant, is a mobile app that uses AI to help people improve their pronunciation. The company is garnering lots of traction with international students and media. Clever (2013), a platform that simplifies and secures the integration of student data exchanged between SIS platforms and educational applications, recently partnered with Google on a Chromebook integration for learners. Lastly, BloomBoard (2012), one of the leading professional development platforms for K-12 educators, has built a number of vibrant partnerships with K- 12 schools and state departments of education.
Emcees, judges and coaches for this year’s launch program will be announced over the next few weeks. For the full program for SXSWedu, please go to the online schedule.
About SXSWedu
The SXSWedu® Conference & Festival fosters and celebrates innovations in learning by hosting a diverse and energetic community of stakeholders across a variety of backgrounds in education. The annual four-day event affords registrants open access to engaging sessions, immersive workshops, interactive learning experiences, film screenings, early-stage startups, business opportunities and networking. Through collaboration, creativity and social action, SXSWedu empowers its global community to Connect. Discover. Impact. SXSWedu is a component of the South by Southwest® family of conferences and festivals. Join the passionate and innovative community at SXSWedu, March 6-9, 2017 in Austin, Texas. For more information, please visit http://sxswedu.com
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Collabco Pilot Program Helps Colleges and Universities Offer a Digital Campus with the myday Student Engagement App
Program provides win/win with deep discounts on the app and training and ability to provide feedback on desired features
Liverpool, England – Jan. 11, 2017 – Student engagement is a key factor in retaining college students and offering cloud-based, responsive tools for students to manage and engage in their day is critical to offering the digital campus life today’s students desire. Collabco, an education development software company, helps colleges and universities with this critical task by providing myday, a personalized student dashboard that works on any device and helps build student engagement by keeping students connected to their schools.
After successfully launching in the United Kingdom, Collabco is now offering the myday app to schools, colleges and universities within the United States. It is seeking partnerships with three to five forward-thinking higher education institutions for a 2017 pilot program to set up best practices in implementation and to get feedback on desired features for myday. Collabco is looking for a variety of Institution sizes. The company is accepting institutions in the pilot program through May 31, 2017. Interested colleges and universities can email sales@collabco.co.uk for more information.
“We are looking forward to working with some future-thinking Universities and Colleges to help improvement student engagement and satisfaction levels while setting up best practices for implementation of myday,” said Collabco CEO Mark Francis. “Institutions who want to advance a digital campus environment while not being held back by the limitations of non-custom software are exactly the kind of organizations we want to talk to.”
The pilot is a year-long program where colleges and universities will provide students with a digital campus through the myday app at a very competitive rate. The pilot includes:
- The first three months free for student and staff pilot participants. After the first 90 days of the pilot, normal subscription fees would apply should the school wish to renew
- A 75% discount on user training and on-boarding
- Access to developer training at preferential rates during the first 90 days
- Free customized branding of the institutional mobile app for one year which is a $5,000 per year savings
“Based on a school of 20,000 students and 2,000 staff this offer equates to a 75% saving on the normal costs. A great way to introduce and test-drive your digital campus with minimum risk and cost” said Francis.
The institution would be expected to work closely with Collabco in partnership to give feedback on the roadmap for future product development and would participate in case studies and white papers to drive success for both parties.
myday is a personalized student dashboard that is customizable for schools and universities to keep students involved and organized. The intuitive platform incorporates data from a school’s LMS system, Microsoft Office 365 and student information system, delivering the information via push notification to help make the student’s experience a positive one. Most other systems such as laundry scheduling, bus routes and low balances can also be incorporated.
myday is available in a browser to support desktop and laptop computers, as well as via a mobile app. Students only need to sign in once to access everything within myday, including email, social media, news feeds and academic sites. Students can customize their portal to include the information the Institution displays to the end user in the most useful way to them.
About Collabco
Collabco is the creator of myday, a student dashboard used by many leading educational establishments in the UK to drive student engagement, participation and retention. Collabco delivers solutions to institutions of varying sizes and complexity. Collabco supports learning within a cloud-based “digital campus” environment. myday enables universities, colleges and schools to aggregate the information students need on a daily basis and presents it in a highly-intuitive and modern interface. For more information, visit http://www.collabco.com.
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EDUCATION TALK RADIO NEWS 