Beyond the textbook: PISD marks millionth view with Techbook

Plano ISD and Discovery Education honored the district's exceptional use of digital educational technologies at Frankford Middle School on Wednesday with a visit from a celebrity in the world of architectural engineering.

In addition to State Rep. Jerry Madden and a host of PISD officials in attendance, the school also welcomed Danny Forster of the Science Channel TV show "Build It Bigger." Forster's presentation highlighted his visits to some of the most renowned architectural wonders of the world, such as Trump Tower, Shanghai Tower, the Tsing Ma Bridge in Hong Kong, and the TuaTona Mine, the deepest gold mine [2.5 miles deep] in the world.

Forster's stories from his career as an architect and engineer gave students a first-hand glimpse into the importance of science, technology, engineering and math [STEM] education. Students also had the pleasure of participating in a classroom activity with Forster after the assembly.

"My show looks at huge projects and how they are built," Forster said. "Fundamentally, I think when you're talking about architecture and engineering that's where cross sections of STEM education comes in, they are the hallmarks that bring the two together. We're making seemingly boring topics cool."

Powered by Discovery Communications, Discovery Education provides digital media that empowers teachers to improve student achievement. More than half of all U.S. schools access its digital services. Plano ISD recently announced the implementation of Discovery Education's Science Techbook, a new, digital resource for fifth and sixth-grade students that features virtual labs, video clips, ebook passages, an interactive glossary and more. The Techbook also includes a real-time assessment component that measures students' progress and recommends individualized resources that reinforce classroom instruction.

Plano ISD also recently reached one million views of Discovery Education's digital videos. The implementation of the Discovery Education's Science Techbook and the high usage of Discovery Education digital videos demonstrate Plano ISD's leadership to transform its classrooms into highly engaging 21st century learning environments, said Associate Superintendent of Science and Technology Jim Hirsch.

"I am very proud of the technology that is being used in our classrooms," Hirsch said. "Discovery Education has played a big part in our student learning, and I am so glad to be able to share this milestone with them as well as with our students and staff."

The implementation of Discovery Education's Science Techbook and the high usage of the its digital resources have worked to improve student engagement and achievement, as well as attract the very best courses and teachers, Madden said.

"I love the idea of virtual education and distance learning," said Madden. "There are things that can be done that go beyond what they are doing in the classroom and it's time they experienced that."

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