iTunes U

On Apple’s web site at http://www.apple.com/education/mobile-learning/ iTunes U is described as “the campus that doesn’t sleep.” It is noted that today’s students expect constant access to information. The company touts an “Apple Ecosystem” which encourages institutions of higher education to purchase their computers, mobile devices, etc. from Apple. The company attempts to entice teachers and professors by encouraging the use of iTunes U to “connect with your students in ways they already love.”

On Stanford’s Web site regarding iTunes U (http://itunes.stanford.edu/), it says you can download courses, faculty lectures, interviews, music and sports. You can play on your iPod, Mac or PC, or burn a CD. There are public and private sites. You can go to the public site and access courses, faculty lectures, and more. Access-restricted sites are used for course-based materials and campus community.

I think that a tool such as iTunes U can be very effective for educators and students. iPods can be used to listen to lectures and review lessons. This reinforcement can hopefully lead to more retention. A good Web site for the Best of iTunes University is http://www.learnoutloud.com/content/blog/archives/2007/07/best_of_itunes.html.