SETDA, States Distribute Free K-12 Content Through iTunes U

iTunes U Grows as a Content Rich Resource for K-12 Community

The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) today announced the availability of a wealth of free content for K-12 educators on Apple's iTunes U. Arizona, Florida, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Utah, along with school districts, museums and other educational institutions are now sharing resources not only for K-12 educators in their own states, but for teachers around the world. This initiative creates a destination where professional development, curricula resources, examples of best practices and student samples are easily accessible.

"This comprehensive collection of quality digital content offers teachers and students a single location to access resources on topics from Florida history to the Navajo language to nano technologies," said Dr. Mary Ann Wolf, SETDA's Executive Director. "Teachers can now access these resources in real-time to support teaching and learning. The new K-12 resources on iTunes U address the critical need to engage students through technology-based resources in the core curriculum areas."

"Michigan is constantly looking for ways to innovate in education," said Michigan's State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Mike Flanagan. "MI Learning on iTunes U presents a unique opportunity to engage students, teachers, and parents in new ways of learning. With the growth of mobile devices and interactive media, we now have a variety of content options that helps learning happen any time, anywhere, and not just inside the classroom. That is true innovation."

"It is extremely exciting to be able to share best practices with the educational community via this pioneering approach to digital content," said Kate Kemker, Florida's Director of Technology Learning and Innovation. "This project pushes the envelope with technology and provides professional development and curricula resources from Florida and other states to the greater educational community."

"Maine has been working closely with partners statewide to bring together materials that foster a 21st century learning environment," stated Jeff Mao, Maine's Learning Technology Policy Director. "iTunes U is now an even better resource for K-12 educators, and we look forward to adding more content to enhance and extend teaching and learning."

iTunes U is an area of the iTunes Store dedicated to providing free education content. iTunes, a free software download for Mac or PC, is required. Focused collections of content designed for use in elementary, middle- and high-school are available in the K-12 category of iTunes U. Visit www.apple.com/itunesu for more information.

About SETDA: The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) is the principal association for state directors of technology and their staff members providing professional development and leadership around the effective use of technology in education to enhance competitiveness in the global workforce.