Extend your course content beyond text and PowerPoint by creating podcasts and posting them in iTunes U!
iTunes U is now available to all SNHU instructors through Blackboard with some recent enhancements including automatic iTunes site creation, content copying, and more.
What is iTunes U?
iTunes is a free application from Apple that runs on any Windows or Mac computer. It can play audio and video content as well as PDF’s and synchronize the files to portable media players such as iPods or MP3 players. iTunes U is a site at the iTunes store specifically setup for the delivery of free academic media. It consists of public sites open to all users of the iTunes Store as well as access-restricted sites available only to members of specific campus communities. SNHU’s iTunes U site is access-restricted. Access to SNHU’s iTunes U content is available only to members of the university community and this access is managed through Blackboard.
Why use iTunes U?
iTunes U is an ideal platform for audio and video content for the following reasons:
1) Allows large files which exceed the file size limit in Blackboard
2) Uses high quality video and audio formats – doesn’t convert video to grainy Flash format like YouTube
3) Allows students to download files for viewing off-line on their computer or portable media player
4) More interesting than PowerPoint
5) Enables students to submit work in audio or video formats
6) Accessible directly through Blackboard
Potential uses for iTunes U:
1) Add narration to pre-existing presentations and make available to students
2) Record class sessions/lectures for students to download and review
3) Have student submit audio/video content to an iTunes U drop box (great for Public Speaking)
4) Provide audio/video explanations of problem sets
5) Post class notes in PDF format
6) Record and post guest presenters presentations
7) many more….
How to get started:
To get started using iTunes U, first create an iTunes U site via Blackboard using these instructions. Then create your audio or video content and post it in iTunes.
Instructional Support will provide workshops on the creation of podcasts in the near future. Stay tuned or contact us for more information. In the meantime, you can check out Instructional Support’s iTunes site by clicking here. This is a work in progress so stay tuned for more. Note: You will need iTunes to view and post any audio and video podcasts. If you don’t have iTunes, download it for free from www.apple.com/itunes.
Questions?
Please direct any questions to Aaron Flint at a.flint@snhu.edu or 603-645-9678.
Posted August 17, 2009 by Aaron Flint
