iTunes University

Today I learned about iTunes University, which is available in the iTunes store. Before this assignment I had never heard of this before and I'm sure many others haven't either. I never considered that using my ipod could be educational. For an introduction to iTunes University click here to watch the video.

With iTunes University you can download educational podcasts, videocasts, class lecture from select colleges and even select classes. I love this idea because you are able to listen and learn anywhere at anytime. I feel that the use of iTunes U would be very beneficial for me as a student and a teacher. As a student I love the idea of being able to have lectures available just incase I have to miss a day of class. In addition to available lectures, I would be able to find other helpful information thru iTunes. With iTunes U there are many different catagories of subjects.

Also, this would be a great tool for teachers as well. I would pick a lecture on iTunes and assign it as homework for them to listen to and then write a response paper. I would maybe make this a blog assignment for the class, very similar to what we do in EDM 310. This would be a great way to integrate technology and hopefully hold the students attention. Also, I would have the students listen to podcasts about what the subject of their next test. I visited the website, New Scientist which stated, "new psychological research suggests that university students who download a podcast lecture achieve substantially higher exam results than those who attend the lecture in person." I believe this is true becuase the students are outside of the classroom and are more likely to pay more attention to technology.

Overall, I feel that iTunes U is a great tool for teachers and for students. It has it benefits for both parties and I would definately consider using this as a teaching tool in my classroom.