DISCOVERY EDUCATION AND WILKES UNIVERSITY TEAM UP TO OFFER EDUCATORS NEW CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITY
-- “EDGE” program focuses on the effective integration of digital media and technology into classroom instruction --
December 4, 2013
SILVER SPRING, Md., December 4, 2013 - Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content for K-12 classrooms, and Wilkes University, a leader in graduate education, have joined forces to launch a new 12-credit program designed to prepare educators to meet the challenges and opportunities of the ever-changing digital classroom. Called the EDGE Letter of Endorsement, this program provides another pathway to expertise in emerging technologies and allows participating teachers to stay on the cutting edge of digital technology and instruction.
The EDGE program (Emerging trends and technologies, Digital transition, Graduate level, Endorsed skill set) is a unique professional development opportunity that combines a forward-thinking curriculum with existing and proven pedagogy. The EDGE program's coursework focuses on exploring critical topics such as mobile learning, digital literacy, inquiry-based learning, and internet tools for teaching, and was designed by esteemed leaders in the field of digital learning such as educational technologist Kathy Schrock and community manager for Discovery Education Canada, Dean Shareski. EDGE courses are offered fully online for added convenience and affordability, and access to Discovery Education's full suite of services, including Discovery Education Streaming, Discovery Education Streaming Plus, Discovery Education Science Techbook, and Discovery Education Social Studies Techbook are included in the tuition.
"Professional development needs of educators are as ever-changing as technology," said Rhonda A. Waskiewicz, Ed.D, Interim Dean, School of Education, Wilkes University. "As a continued collaboration with our trusted partner, Discovery Education, the EDGE Letter of Endorsement provides an accelerated, non-degree option that will promote the transformative integration of emerging technologies in the classroom."
Since 2005, Discovery Education and Wilkes University have partnered to support teachers with the integration of educational technology into classroom curriculum. In 2008, they teamed up to launch an online master's degree program in instructional media. The 30-credit program prepares educators to engage today's students in learning through digital resources. Since its inception, more than 470 educators have completed the program.
"Discovery Education is dedicated to providing educators around the world access to the professional development that supports both career development and student acheivement," said Scott Kinney, Senior Vice President of Discovery Education. "We are thrilled to partner with Wilkes University in their continued efforts to advance a new generation of educational technology leaders who possess the skills necessary to engage students and increase academic achievement."
For more information about the Discovery Education EDGE Letter of Endorsement, visithttp://masters.discoveryeducation.com/edge.
To learn more about other Discovery Education services and initiatives, visit www.discoveryeducation.com.
About Wilkes University
Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence through mentoring in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs. Founded in 1933, the university provides its students with the experience, mentoring and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as personal growth. Recently named one of the fastest growing universities in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, Wilkes offers the doctor of nursing practice, doctor of education and doctor of pharmacy degrees and more than a dozen master's degree programs, including the master of business administration and master of fine arts in creative writing.
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 that supports the implementation of Common Core, professional development, assessment tools, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Available in over half of all U.S. schools, community colleges and in 50 countries around the world, Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that accelerate 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.