This digital textbook "is aligned to rigorous standards, supports a comprehensive curriculum, and includes professional development. All techbooks are platform neutral and can be used in 1:1 or 1:many classroom settings. The Techbook series supports differentiation through interactive features that change the reading level of text and enable text to be read aloud. It is also updated regularly at no additional cost." The cost is only $38 per elementary student, which is substantially lower than printed textbooks, but schools must already have tablets, laptops, or desktop PC's available as well as fast internet connection to support the heavy use of visuals. Techbook supports the 5E model of instruction, is linked to core standards in 36 states, and is built to directly support the Next Generation Science Standards. Clicking on the logo above will take you to the Discovery Techbook site.
Quality: ✰✰✰✰
Accuracy: ✰✰✰✰
Effectiveness: ✰✰✰
Digital textbooks are both the future and the present with respect to academic learning. Schools in Tucson are already switching over to a 1:1 model, which means that each student has their own tablet or computer that is linked to the facilitator's tablet or computer, who guides the students in the lessons.
The quality of Discovery's Techbook is state of the art, and their information is updated so accuracy is maintained. I couldn't give it four stars for effectiveness, though, because even though the activities, animations, ebooks, images, interactive videos, quizzes, interactive modules, simulations, virtual labs, and assessments are meant to be inquiry-based, there is still an element of students being "led down a path" rather than creating their own paths of discovery through real world engagement and primary sources. That said, I still see Discovery's Techbook as a powerful tool that can spark learning with digital technology through its streamlined user-friendly interface and broad array of content that is linked to state standards.
The quality of Discovery's Techbook is state of the art, and their information is updated so accuracy is maintained. I couldn't give it four stars for effectiveness, though, because even though the activities, animations, ebooks, images, interactive videos, quizzes, interactive modules, simulations, virtual labs, and assessments are meant to be inquiry-based, there is still an element of students being "led down a path" rather than creating their own paths of discovery through real world engagement and primary sources. That said, I still see Discovery's Techbook as a powerful tool that can spark learning with digital technology through its streamlined user-friendly interface and broad array of content that is linked to state standards.
Considerations for Exceptional Learners:
Unfortunately I did not see any features for translating text for students not yet proficient in English. However, as reading levels can be changed for each student, the text can be simplified to assist with vocabulary formation. I would consider partnering ELL students with English speakers and having them take turns while using the product.
There is a feature that will read the text out loud for students who have difficulty reading or focusing on reading. Also, the feature which allows teachers to adjust the difficulty level of the text would be useful for teaching students with intellectual disabilities, who could learn the same content as their peers but at a level that is more understandable to them. The feature which allows teachers to monitor student progress would be useful for keeping records related to IEP goals.
The highly structured nature of the Techbook might be a turn off to some students identified as gifted. I would consider taking a more open approach with them and letting them explore it on their own and report back to me which features appeal more or less to them and why. As previously stated, the ability of the teacher to tweak the difficulty level of the text for a content lesson means that students can be presented with vocabulary appropriate to their level of comprehension, providing the necessary rigor for these students.