WEIU will be implementing a new digital learning media for local schools called PBS LearningMedia.

The content will not be on air, instead, it will be strictly online for teachers in the area to go to and use in the classroom.

Jeni Huckstep, the educational services coordinator for WEIU, said that the station could perhaps start running the media in the fall.

“The teachers can go online and look up a specific topic,” Huckstep said. “There (will be) videos and lesson plans to use with the students in the classroom.”

According to a press release from WEIU, the PBS LearningMedia is a two-tiered program.

There will be a free version available to all teachers as well as a premium version that has more features.

The premium version will be released in affiliation with local school districts or state education departments, according to the release.

PBS LearningMedia’s target age group is Pre-K through 12th grade.

WEIU is still figuring out the details of how the program will be implemented.

“Will it be on a separate site? Will it be on our site? It’s all still very new,” Huckstep said.

PBS LearningMedia and its participants are working with other broadcasting stations throughout the state to try and develop a uniform version of the program for all Illinois schools.

According to the press release, the program includes content over fifty-five stations, producers and public institution partners.

The content that the PBS LearningMedia will have available online will be classroom ready and will have a smooth “integration into existing services,” according to the press release.

Melissa Sturtevant can be reached at 581-7942 or mnsturtevant@eiu.edu.