Discovery Ed partners with Digital Promise League to bring ‘Social Studies Techbook’ to K-12 classrooms

Discovery Education has partnered with the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools to bring its new digital social studies textbook to classrooms. Social Studies Techbook™ is an interactive platform that links to historical resources; features activities that make students think, do and develop arguments supported by evidence; and provides students with 21st century skills needed for college and to compete in today’s global economy. The partnership is designed to support the Common Core State Standards. Middle schools that are part of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools are invited to participate in a Social Studies Techbook™ beta program for the 2012-2013 school year. Designed to increase equity and create better learning opportunities for all, Social Studies

Social Studies Techbook™ features a multimedia reference library that links key documents to people and places; interactive maps, digital explorations and activities; primary source documents; and informational text. Techbook™ is built on an inquiry framework and is designed to support multiple reading levels and languages, promote personalized learning via different pathways through content, inspire curiosity, encourage critical thinking and enable project-based learning. It includes resources for United States History, World History and World Geography and Cultures courses.

Techbook™ includes detailed lesson plans and model lessons, and an assessment component that measures students’ progress and recommends individualized resources that reinforce classroom instruction. Techbook™ is platform agnostic. It works with any device, including iPads, tablets, laptops or desktop computers.

“The Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools is thrilled to partner with Discovery Education to bring its innovative digital social studies textbook to teachers and students,” said Adam Frankel, executive director of Digital Promise. “Digital tools can improve student achievement, and integrating these tools into instruction is critical to transform teaching and learning and help students gain the knowledge and skills they need for college and a career.”

For schools participating in the beta program, Discovery Education experts will provide professional development throughout the school year to support educators as they integrate Social Studies Techbook™ into their instruction.