iTunes U at Roosevelt University
Frequently Asked Questions

What is iTunes U?

iTunes U is a program sponsored by Apple Computer providing tools for distributing multimedia files over the Internet. Instructors can use this service to distribute audio and video clips containing course content, recorded lectures, and related instructional materials. The system also supports the uploading of student-created material for distribution to the instructor, or optionally, the rest of the class. Administrative departments can use the service to distribute promotional materials to the general public. Roosevelt University, as a participating member of this program, in able to make these tools available to any interested faculty or staff member.

What kinds of media can be distributed in iTunes U?

Currently the system supports audio files in ACC (.m4q) or MP3 (.mp3) format, video files in MPEG-4 format with H.264 compression (.mp4, .m4v, .mov), and PDF files.

What's the difference between iTunes and iTunes U?

iTunes is Apple's popular online audio/video file management application that can be loaded on personal computers. It can be used to manage media files, subscribe to podcasting services, or purchase media products from Apple's online store. iTunes U is an adaptation of the iTunes application specifically for higher education, offering participating universities tools for uploading, storing, and distributing instructional materials. A single iTunes client program can be used for both personal and educational purposes.

What are the benefits of iTunes U from the student's perspective?

iTunes U provides a convenient way for students to manage classroom multimedia materials. They can download files to their desktop or laptop computer, or to any handheld device that supports media storage and playback, including iPods and other MP3 players and smartphones. A key feature of iTunes U is support for podcasting, which is a media distribution process that automates the delivery of new content. By configuring their iTunes software to support podcasting and selecting the "subscribe" option in iTunes U for a particular class, new material will be automatically downloaded to the student's iTunes client as soon as it is made available by the instructor.

What hardware and software is required to use iTunes U?

Instructors producing original material for distribution using iTunes U need to have access to appropriate audio or video recording and editing tools. Some RU departments already own these tools, and the ETRC department of DoIT can also provide limited access to some equipment. Software requirements for both instructors and students are the same: a standard browser on either the Mac or Windows platform, and a current copy of Apple's iTunes client program, downloadable for free from Apple. The use of a web browser is not sufficient -- a local installation of the iTunes client is required

Is the use of Apple hardware required?

No. The iTunes client software is available for both Macintosh and Windows computers. Although Apple's iPod media player has been specifically designed for use with iTunes, iTunes downloads can be stored on any portable device capable of handling the iTunes U media formats, including various MP3 players, smartphones, and other handheld devices.

What options does the instructor have when setting up an iTunes U course?

Once the local iTunes U administrator creates a new course area, the instructor can configure it to meet the needs of the course. The instructor can create subject-specific tabs for different types of materials, or for different sections of the class, etc. Additionally, instructors can modify the access rights to the various sections of their course area, and permit students to upload their own media files to selected areas to share with their fellow students.

Can access to iTunes U materials be restricted?

Yes. Although sections of RU's iTunes U site can be set up for general public access, the service also supports restricting access to instructional materials to the students enrolled in the class.

Does iTunes U replace Blackboard?

By no means. Blackboard is a full-service online instructional environment offering a wide variety of learning, communications, and course management tools, while iTunes U is far more limited, having been specifically designed to facilitate the distribution of media files to students, providing some automation and convenience not available in Blackboard. The two products can be configured to work together. For example, instructors can build links within Blackboard to specific content items in iTunes U, presenting to the student an integrated bundle of services.

How do I get started using iTunes U?

DoIT is seeking instructors who are interested in helping us test this service. Faculty members interested in trying out iTunes U in their courses should contact userservices@roosevelt.edu for more information.

Where do I get more information about iTunes U?

Informational and instructional documents about iTunes U are available on Apple's web site at http://www.apple.com/support/itunes_u/. Also, several universities have made portions of their iTunes sites available to the general public. Browsing through these pages will give you an idea of some of the ways this technology can be used to support instruction and other university activities. You will need iTunes installed on your computer to view these pages.

• http://itunes.uic.edu
• http://itunes.berkeley.edu
• http://itunes.stanford.edu

[Rev. Nov. 1, 2007]