Adobe throws its support behind the ConnectED Initiative

Adobe reported it will kick in $300 million worth of software and teacher support as part of the Obama administration’s ConnectED initiative. According to Adobe, the company’s commitment includes education versions of its creative software, including Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements, Presenter, Captivate and EchoSign. Prezi, similarly, is committing $100 million in software licenses for education as part of the initiative. The commitment includes licenses of Prezi Edu Pro, which normally runs $4.92 per month.

Microsoft, Apple, Sprint and Verizon have already shelled out millions to help the president bring high-speed broadband to schools and amp up the role technology plays in education. Now Adobe’s on the bandwagon too, and it’s bringing along gobs of software and educational resources for kids and teachers. Students at some 15,000 US schools get access to Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements, while the staff gets tools from Adobe’s Education Exchange, electronic signature software and presentation tech for distance learning. The company’s total commitment weighs in at over $300 million, but it’s not hard to see what it gets out of the deal. Looking past the potential for a hefty tax writeoff, the company said its plans are in line with the Common Core State Standards Initiative’s emphasis on media production and criticism.