Texas students now can download podcasts, videos, and other multimedia lessons directly from iTunes through a new online program aimed at providing free, supplementary coursework that can be accessed anywhere, reports the Associated Press. The Texas Education iTunes U channel, which state officials unveiled Aug. 24, allows teachers to upload material from their classes to help students understand new concepts or do more research in a specific subject area. Students and parents can access the material through home or school computers, and those with iPods can download the information to the handheld devices. With its announcement, Texas becomes the 13th U.S. state to add K-12 educational content to iTunes U. The Texas Education Agency began working on the project in November, finding and culling existing teacher training videos and programs for students, said agency spokeswoman Debbie Ratcliffe. Teachers across the state also can trade tips and advice about lesson plans by posting and viewing each other’s videos. Already, 146,000 teachers have signed up to participate and formed 5,000 subject groups, said Education Commissioner Robert Scott. A spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Perry said all posted material will be vetted through the Texas Education Agency and work in conjunction with state-approved textbooks…