Colorado Governor Bill Ritter wants to tackle education problems in the state, and he's looking at Apple's iPod as one possible solution. iPods, along with electronic textbooks and other technologies, could be used as an alternative to traditional -- and expensive -- text books to save money while still providing students with necessary learning materials, according to the Associated Press.

Too much money is being spent without showing a substantial improvement in education, according to Governor Ritter. "Our public education system has been the vehicle for changing our stations in life. There is a changing demographic, and we need to respond," he said at a Lumina Foundation event on Thursday.

The idea of using iPods in education isn't new. Some schools, along with colleges and universities, distribute class materials electronically and offer class lectures as video or audio podcasts.

Apple is helping to promote technology and iPods in education, too, with its iTunes U program. The iTunes-based service lets students, teachers, and in some cases the public, download recordings of classes and lectures for later viewing and review.

Some Colorado-based schools are already participating in the iTunes U program, including Colorado State University and Regis University.

Governor Ritter plans to submit his proposals to the Colorado legislature in two years.