FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 06.18.08

Contacts:
Stephen Wakefield, Discovery Education
240-662-2893
stephen_wakefield@discovery.com

Charlene Blohm, C. Blohm & Associates
608-839-9800
charlene@cblohm.com

Kim Bower-Spence, Wilkes University
570-408-4764
kimberly.bowerspence@wilkes.edu

Discovery Education, Wilkes University Collaborate to Offer Online Master’s Degree

New program for teachers begins in fall 2008

Silver Spring, MD (June 18, 2008) – Discovery Education, the national leader in digital media-based learning, and Wilkes University, a leader in graduate teacher education, are launching a new online master’s degree program in instructional media. Discovery Education is a division of Discovery Communications, whose networks include Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Science Channel.

As technology transforms teaching and learning, teachers require additional skills to implement new tools and boost student achievement. “Schools across the country are making immense investments in digital media and educational technology, increasing the demand for skilled educators who can effectively implement those tools to improve student achievement,” said Discovery Education President Bill Goodwyn.

According to Eduventures, an educational research and consulting firm, the market for digi tal educational materials is forecasted to have grown to $9.6 billion in 2007. “Unfortunately, resources to educate teachers on the effective implementation of digital instructional media have not kept pace,” Goodwyn added. “The new degree program offered by Wilkes University and Discovery Education fills this gap, providing affordable higher education for teachers across the country.”

Since 2005, Discovery Education and Wilkes University have worked together to help teachers integrate educational technology into classroom curriculum. This latest partnership uses a sequence of courses developed by Wilkes instructors in concert with Discovery Education experts to provide a high-quality, online degree option to educators across the country.

The 30-credit instructional media program will prepare teachers to engage today’s students in learning through digital media. It will educate teachers to become specialists who can effectively blend academic rigor with the late st technology, from video to Web 2.0 to virtual field trips.

Courses will focus on topics such as digital storytelling, using digital media in the classroom, using technology to support creativity, and applying brain-based theories of how students process information to technology integration. Kathy Schrock, a nationally known leader in technology integration in the classroom, will design “Internet Tools for Teaching” scheduled to begin in spring 2009.

“Wilkes University is very pleased to work with a well-respected company like Discovery Education to offer this degree nationwide,” said Tim Gilmour, Wilkes President. “It’s an exciting step in expanding our already excellent graduate education programs.”

“Pupil expectations are important to consider for teachers of all grade levels,” said Michael Speziale, dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. “Students currently in schools are a part of the millennial generation who are digital nativ es and thrive on media-rich environments. The master’s in instructional media combines best practices in 21st century teaching with the outstanding expertise and media services from Discovery Education.”

The course of study represents a significant accomplishment, coupling advanced online resources and delivery methods with the very best in instructional media, content and training. Teachers, regardless of their experience, require engaging, high-quality professional education opportunities to boost student learning.

In June, Wilkes University’s Graduate Education Department will begin accepting applications for the Fall 2008 semester. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the university’s website at www.wilkes.edu/instructionalmedia, where they can find additional program information and sign up to receive application alerts via email. All Wilkes University Graduate Education Programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

“The program is designed to help all teachers effectively integrate media-based technologies in helping their students reach new heights of academic success,” Speziale said. “This is one of those special programs that can have an immediate transformative effect in a teacher’s classroom.”

About Discovery Education
Discovery Communications revolutionized television with the Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the #1 non-fiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeduc ation.com.

About Wilkes University
Wilkes University is a premier, nonsectarian liberal arts university located in northeastern Pennsylvania. One of the largest private providers of graduate education for teachers in Pennsylvania, Wilkes offers 14 master’s degree programs in education, a doctor of education degree in educational leadership, and a letter of endorsement in teacher leadership and instructional coaching. With the addition of the master’s degree in instructional media, Wilkes now offers seven online graduate education degrees. Learn more at www.wilkes.edu.