Amazon Unveils Online Education Service for Teachers

On Monday, Amazon launched a new online portal with thousands of free education resources such as worksheets and lesson plans, its biggest move yet into the lucrative and growing industry that is using technology to change how students learn and teachers teach.

Called Amazon Inspire, the new service is meant to provide teachers with students anywhere from kindergarten to 12th grade a place to find and share free education materials. 

General Manager of Amazon K-12 Education, Rohit Agarwal said, “Amazon joins educators from around the country in recognizing the power of digital learning to transform the classroom, by creating a personalized, engaging learning environment for all students.”

The tech portion of the education industry (sometimes called EdTech) is sizable, having hit around, $8.4 billion in 2014with Google and Apple already heavily involved. The program also has some buy-in from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Education is providing some materials from its College Scorecard, which helps students decide which university is right for them

The Inspire service retains much of Amazon.com’s core functionality, including being able to search for and then review products. Teachers will be able to upload materials that can then be used in other schools.

“To truly transform learning in our schools and ensure educational equity for all students—regardless of grade level or zip code—it is crucial that we put high quality, open educational resources at teachers’ fingertips,” said Joseph South, director for the Office of Technology at the U.S. Department of Education.

Amazon Inspire already has a variety of school districts using the platform, including districts in Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts and Vermont, among others. Among the resources will be the Folger Shakespeare Library, which will eventually include more than 2,000 pieces of educational material including classroom instruction. 

Among the resources will be the, Folger Shakespeare Library, which will eventually include more than 2,000 pieces of educational material including classroom instruction.

The program isn't entirely open yet, with teachers having to request access for now. Schools, districts and even states can also reach out to gain access to the program.