Digital learning in Illinois just took a giant leap forward.

Illinois’ leading education consortium, Vision 20/20, announced Tuesday the launch of the 21st Century Learning Center on iTunes U, a collection of digital course content in mathematics, science, social studies and English.

The launch took place at High School District 214 in Arlington Heights and was attended by State Secretary of Education Dr. Beth Purvis while State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Smith joined the event via simulcast in Springfield.

Regional Superintendent Patricia Dal Santo of the Kane County Regional Office of Education and former president of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents is one of six administrative representatives of Vision 20/20.

Educators from 22 school districts across Illinois met earlier this year to help choose the digital content that would satisfy Illinois Learning Standards. The collection of resources were then vetted by content leaders and curriculum specialists before being added to the site. Jennifer Story, a math specialist from West Aurora District 129 was present at the launch and demonstrated the ease of iTunes U.

The announcement comes as big news for students in Kane County schools, who will be able to use approved digital resources in the classroom.

iTunes U is the world’s largest online catalog of free educational content that helps educators create and manage courses, including lectures, assignments, books, quizzes and syllabi. Currently, materials for nine high school courses such as Algebra I, Algebra II, Chemistry, Geometry, ELA 9-10, ELA 11-12, Economics, Biology, and Physics are available, and additional courses will be added this fall.

“Our Vision 20/20 team is committed to continuing to promote the priorities of our vision,” said Executive Director of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials Dr. Michael A. Jacoby. “The launch of iTunes U will be the first of many more initiatives to benefit the educators and over 2 million schoolchildren in Illinois. Collectively, we intend to do all we can to fulfill the promise of public education in Illinois by the year 2020.”

Dr. Purvis and Dr. Smith shared enthusiasm for Vision 20/20’s commitment to 21st century learning.

“A collaboration of professionals like this is a model for the state and the country about how we can all come together to do the right thing for our students and our families,” Dr. Purvis said.

“The Vision 20/20 21st Century Learning Center provides cutting edge support to teachers across Illinois as they engage 21st century learners. Technology continues to evolve and this allows educators to get updated content they can use in their classrooms at no cost to their district,” stated Dr. Smith. “It’s great to see Illinois educators collaborating to make this type of resource a reality, available for everyone to benefit students,” he noted.

Members of the Illinois General Assembly also supported the launch by passing two separate bipartisan resolutions applauding the architects of the plan and declaring Aug. 18, 2015 as The Vision 20/20 21st Century Learning Day in the State of Illinois.

• This article was written by Ellen Kamps of the Kane County Regional Office of Education, made possible by Regional Superintendent Patricia Dal Santo. Sign up for the Kane County Regional Office of Education’s newsletter here.