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Locally Produced Podcast Featured on iTunes U: Inside Michigan Education Podcast Featured on Michigan’s New Learning Portal on iTunes U

Grand Rapids, MI, July 14, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Inside Michigan Education, a weekly podcast produced in Downtown Grand Rapids, 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: Inside Michigan Education is now featured on "MI Learning," on Apple's iTunes U. www.insidemieducation.com

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 Ed 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… 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," says Umpstead. "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 website development and technology firm located in the Waters Building. Underwriting for the show is provided by the DeVos Place, which hosts a wide variety of conventions, meetings and banquets throughout the year.

About the show's recent success Huisingh says, "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."

For more information about Inside Michigan Education, visit http://www.insidemieducation.com.

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