Tennessee Launches Electronic Learning Center

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Education is proud to announce the launch of its electronic learning center to give students, parents and educators access to learning and professional development resources anytime, anywhere. Through a collaboration with Apple, Inc. and the Tennessee Board of Regents, the ELC has a dedicated site on iTunes U, an area of the iTunes Store that provides free education content. The ELC, at www.TNelc.org, is designed to enhance achievement by providing access to more than 280 curriculum-based audio and video tracks developed by the Tennessee Department of Education.

“Tennessee is capitalizing on the available technology to meet the needs of students and teachers and move education beyond the classroom walls,” Governor Phil Bredesen said. “Tennessee’s Electronic Learning Center supports raising student achievement and improving educator performance by giving students and educators access to high-quality resources when it fits their schedule. It also provides tools for parents to reinforce their child’s learning at home.”

Students currently can access curriculum-based lessons in language arts, and study skills, with math to be added this month. Educators can view training sessions on Tennessee’s new academic standards, School-wide Positive Behavior, reading and other teaching resources. Additional podcasts will be developed and added on an ongoing basis.

“Tennessee’s online learning portal means student learning and teacher development is no longer limited by class times and workshop schedules,” Education Commissioner Timothy Webb said. “Students can access relevant lessons when doing homework or studying for tests. Educators can complete training sessions held on the opposite end of the state without leaving home and use the research-based resources to prepare instructional plans.”

Creating this source for Tennessee's K-12 education community and beyond through iTunes U is possible due to a partnership with the Tennessee Board of Regents. Current content is for grades two through eight, with additional resources planned for the future. For more information, contact Amanda Maynord Anderson at (615) 532-7817 or Amanda.Anderson@state.tn.us.

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