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from the issue of February 9, 2006
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'iTunes U' pops onto university playlist
BY JON WILSON, INFORMATION SERVICES
Information Services is working with Apple Computer to expand the UNL campus. While there is no building construction slated, the results promise to be groundbreaking. "iTunes U" is the latest innovation from the company that produces the iPod, iTunes Music store and the Mac personal computer.
Apple touts iTunes U as a way for universities "to advance teaching, learning, and research" while adapting to students' "digital lifestyle."
Bruce Sandhorst, Instructional Technology Coordinator for Information Services, is leading UNL into the final application phase with Apple.
"iTunes U has an academic focus," said Sandhorst. "It's a central repository for podcasts, class lectures, and supplementary materials. Primarily we're talking about audio - which is great for students who like to multi-task. We would encourage all areas universitywide to think how this technology can enhance their programs - like athletics, the E.N. Thompson Forum, IANR. Imagine a farmer listening to a UNL agronomist on a podcast while driving in the field on his tractor."
An appealing feature of iTunes U is that it is a free, hosted service.
"Currently we're in a pilot program with about 10 universities, said Stan Ethington, a higher education account executive for Apple. "We're opening it up to other universities this month and we expect about 1000 applications."
Pilot participants include Stanford University, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and the University of Missouri.
"iTunes is a great piece of software." said Ethington. "When you think about it, iTunes is really a content management system and we're extending those capabilities to advance the academic mission."
Sandhorst explains that there will a public UNL iTunes U presence in which content will be accessible to anyone.
"But there will be a secure side that will require a student to log on to Blackboard," said Sandhorst. "That login will take the user to a private iTunes U area that relates to a specific class that he or she may be taking."
GO TO: ISSUE OF FEBRUARY 9
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FROM THE ARCHIVES
'iTunes U' pops onto university playlist
Professor brings university physics to rural Nebraska
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732351S35462X
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