Get started podcasting today!What is iTunes U?
Created by Apple Computer Company, iTunes U runs on the iTunes interface and is designed to provide content delivery solutions for institutions of higher education worldwide. This means that course content, such as audio and video clips, can be displayed on the iTunes U site for students to download and access from any internet-connected computer (PC or Mac) running the iTunes application.
Virtually any type of content can be distributed via iTunes U – from lectures and demonstrations to presentations, performances and archival footage. This technology isn’t just for students either – faculty members and other groups have the ability to create iTunes U sections specifically for their purpose, such as a special interest group or non-academic department. Multimedia from training demonstrations and orientations can be deployed to iTunes U – and those are just some of the possibilities.
Why iTunes U?
The technology behind iTunes U is very intuitive and user-friendly. This provides for a no-hassle content delivery solution that is accessible to all levels of end users. On top of that, iTunes U runs on the ever-popular iTunes application which means that any type of content can be viewed on a Mac, PC or iPod.
Key Features
- Easily configure and update content areas with an intuitive interface
- Access restrictions can keep course content protected or make other materials available to the public
- Access can be limited to the instructor and students in a particular course
- Access can be given to all UNCW faculty, staff & students
- Access can be given to the public
- Move the class outside the classroom and provide content that exceeds standard course materials
- Allow students to learn on their own schedule
- Reach the entire institution with a few mouse clicks
Logging In
The iTunes U interface can be accessed directly from SeaPort.
To login to SeaPort:
- Access SeaPort by navigating to the UNCW homepage (http://www.uncw.edu) and then click on your role (either Current Students or Faculty & Staff). On the right-hand side of the page, click on the link for SeaPort.
Tip: Alternatively, the site can be accessed via
http://seaport.uncw.edu
- Login to SeaPort using your university e-mail username and password.
Accessing Podcasts
- Click on the Student tab or the Employee tab at the top of the page.
- Under the “My Courses” section (for students) or the "Digital Media" section (for faculty and staff), click on the iTunes U podcasts links.
- If you already have iTunes installed on your computer, the application will automatically launch and take you to UNCW’s podcast site. At that point you can click on the link for your course to access related podcasts.
- To download podcasts from your course, simply click on the name of the podcast you would like to download from the list and then click the “Get” button. The podcast will automatically begin downloading and will also be available on your computer for offline use.
Tip: To access iTunes podcasts you have previously downloaded, click on the playlist for your course under the “Playlists” section of your iTunes library.
- Now just double-click on any track to play it!
Note: iTunes is installed on all UNCW lab computers as well as all new computer images. You can access iTunes U from any on-campus computer lab.
