Prepare to Expand our Vision, Message and Voice (VMV Communities of Designers / Model the Practice)

Posted: Sunday, 13 July 2008 12:50PM

Inside Michigan Education Now Featured On iTunes U

The weekly podcast "Inside Michigan Education," has now been featured in the MI Learning section of Apple's iTunes U.

Inside Michigan Education is produced in Grand Rapids and features in-depth interviews with regional experts who share their knowledge and opinions about the present condition and future needs of Michigan’s K-12 education system.

Apple’s iTunes U makes educational content available on demand, similar to the way music is delivered via the popular iTunes service. Apple recently extended the scope of iTunes U content from higher education to K-12 education.

Produced through the cooperative efforts of Apple and the state of Michigan, MI Learning is among the first of the K-12 channels. According to Bruce Umpstead, director of educational technology and data coordination for the Michigan Department of Education, "We are one of eight states that announced our pilot sites yesterday. Our site is called MI Learning and you can find that when you log onto iTunes U."

Umpstead acknowledges the use of iTunes for educational purposes is not without its detractors.

“ITunes is blocked by most school districts," he said. "Some of the content on iTunes can be questionable at times. Also, the videos and the music can clog a school district's Internet connection with non-relevant content. So the question is why are you going to engage?”

The vision, according to Umpstead. is founded in the desire to engage students in learning with rich media.

“There are learning resources available in a rich and wide variety, trying to engage them in learning outside of the norm,” Umpstead said. “ITunes U, with the buzz it has in the entertainment industry, could really be used in education.”

Inside Michigan Education is the creation of local Internet entrepreneur Rob Huisingh, with support from Foxbright, a Grand Rapids-based Web site development and technology firm located in the Waters Building. Underwriting for the show is provided by the DeVos Place convention center.

About the show’s recent success, Huisingh said, “We started with the intent to provide a convenient opportunity for Michigan residents to get in-depth information about the condition of our State’s K-12 Education system. It’s exciting to see the show gain popularity and listenership.”

More at www.insidemieducation.com.