We’re in a golden age of resources for teachers, but tools are only powerful when they enhance good teaching and learning. Learn how to align new resources to standards, scaffold their use, and make the most of Discovery Experience’s newest features.
As educators, we’re always searching for new ways to meet the needs of our students. With so many tools, platforms, and resources at our fingertips, it can be tempting to use the latest innovation simply because it’s new. But in truth, the most effective resources are those that enhance good pedagogy, align to learning goals, and help students meaningfully demonstrate what they know.
Any resource—whether digital or print—should be anchored in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). That alignment ensures we start with clarity: What do students need to learn, what does success look like, and how will they demonstrate mastery? This tried-and-true method of Backward Design reminds us that tools are at their best when they fit within that framework. They should simplify, not complicate, the work of teaching and learning. A shiny new platform is never a substitute for strong methodology—it’s a partner that helps bring that methodology to life.
Another best practice is to focus on learning outcomes first, then choose the tool. For example, if your goal is to increase meaningful student discussion, the question isn’t “Which tool should I use?” but rather “What do I want students to talk about, and how will that deepen their understanding?” Only after that should we decide what structure or resource supports the conversation best. Sometimes the answer may be a strategy like Discovery Experience’s SOS protocols, which scaffold productive discourse and increase engagement. Other times it could be an online platform like MyShortAnswer.com, which facilitates peer-to-peer feedback on written products. The key is to let outcomes guide decisions, not the tool itself.
We also encourage teachers to take a “paper first, digital next” approach when introducing a new digital tool. Earlier this year, Carl Mohn and I had the pleasure of talking with Jon Corippo, founder of Eduprotocols, about this very practice. He emphasized that when using a new tool or process, students should first learn the content and concepts offline, then move online to a digital tool that can efficiently provide feedback and accelerate growth.* By letting students practice with the concept or content offline first, they build a strong foundation of understanding. Once that foundation is secure, the transition to digital platforms amplifies learning instead of overwhelming it. Doing both at the same time can confuse learners, splitting their attention between mastering the tool and grasping the content. A gradual approach creates clarity, confidence, and deeper engagement.
Of course, innovation doesn’t always mean creating something entirely new. Often, the most powerful shifts come from enhancements to tools we already know and trust. At our recent Day of Discovery, educators explored how Discovery Education Experience has continued to evolve. This long-standing resource now includes robust platform upgrades, an AI-powered assessment builder, and supports tailored to Bluebonnet Instructional Materials. It also introduces an exciting new component, Career Connect, which bridges content directly into CTE programming—a powerful pathway for making learning relevant to students’ futures. Career Connect not only highlights career options but also connects students with industry partners as they explore education and job pathways.
During the event, Region 7’s April Muñoz, Bilingual/ESL Specialist in the State and Federal Programs Department, was especially excited to see how Immersive Reader supports English learners as they interact with Studio presentations and online quizzes. Features like English-to-Spanish translation, grammar coding, syllable recognition, and vocabulary support provide essential scaffolds for multilingual learners. These thoughtful additions highlight how Discovery continues to adapt tools for the diverse needs of today’s classrooms. Many Region 7 districts already have access to this dynamic tool, which can elevate instruction in seconds. The Digital Learning team is ready to help you explore these updates and plan for successful integration in your classroom.
As our local Discovery Education Experience specialist, Michael Pettiette, put it best: “It is the golden age of resources for teachers.” The tools available today aren’t simply add-ons—they are robust ecosystems that empower teachers to personalize learning, save time, and connect content to the real world. When used wisely, they free educators to focus less on managing logistics and more on guiding rich, student-centered experiences.
Also joining us at the Day of Discovery were Carmen Dowdy and Kari Cahill from TCMPC. This duo explained how the excellent tools within Discovery Education Experience have been coded to standards and aligned with TExGUIDES units of study. This partnership expedites planning and empowers educators with vetted, TEKS-aligned resources right at their fingertips. The result: less time searching for materials and more time creating powerful learning opportunities for students.
The opportunity before us is clear. If we ground our resource use in standards, align it to outcomes, introduce tools with intentional pacing, and embrace enhancements to trusted platforms, we can truly maximize the impact of what’s available. Discovery Experience is a shining example of this approach, offering a versatile set of features that not only meet but expand our vision for learning.
As you explore new tools this year, we encourage you to reflect: Does this resource enhance good teaching? Does it deepen student learning? Does it make the work more purposeful and engaging? If the answer is yes, then it’s worth the time to implement. Together, let’s leverage these resources not just because they exist, but because they help our students thrive.
*To hear more of this conversation, tune into the Digital Learning Department's The Learning Curve Podcast, Eduprotocols with Jon Corioppo, on your favorite streamlining platform.
