Welcome to iTunes University

In a recent news story, "Apple Offers College Lectures Via Podcasts," ABC reported that as Apple continues to expand their iPod and iTunes franchises, they have introduced "iTunesU." This service makes lectures and other course and educational materials available through Apple's iTunes software. Apple has been working on a pilot project with six schools over the past year. In January, iTunes expanded the program, inviting other universities to join. Many colleges and universities have course materials available via internet access, but iTunes and iPods put a whole new spin on this phenomeon.

Apple sets universities up with customized iTunes software, which allows schools to post podcasts, audio books, or video content on their iTunes-affiliated websites. These materials are able to be downloaded on regular computers and can then be transferred to iPods and other portable devices. Two universities involved in the pilot program include Stanford University and the University of Missouri. In addition to educational materials, Stanford offers audio broadcasts of sporting events through its iTunes site. The University of Missouri had already offered podcast lectures through its school website, but then joined the pilot program. Now they receive the software and service package for free, making their materials more accessible to the students and faculty.

I have mixed feelings about iTunesU. I think it's a great opportunity, especially for the college market. Most college students own iPods or similar portable devices. If they don't own one, most know how to use them. Additionally, all students with iPods use iTunes and even students who do not own iPods use iTunes in order to listen to music on their computers. Integrating iTunes with education seems like a great idea because it is mixing two every day things together - iTunes, which is used more for personal entertainment, with classes, which are a daily part of student's lives. The con to iTunesU is that it makes classes seem like they are more optional. With the course materials and lectures at the fingertips of every student, why bother going to class when they can download everything on their computers? I can picture lazy students looking outside, seeing snow on the ground and staying in bed. They won't care about what they missed because they can just download it all on iTunesU. Therefore, I feel that iTunesU does have its benefits and is definitely another phenomenal piece of technology. At the same time, the results of using iTunesU should also be observed and whether colleges feel that it will benefit the education of their students or hinder their learning in that class attendance will decrease.

Regarding marketing to college students, with the format of iTunesU, it could also be an opportunity for brands to advertise with Apple and the college's permission. If coursework and lectures are on the site, almost all students will be visiting it. That can provide a great opportunity for advertising, in which marketers will know that there will be a high flow of traffic, in order to reach a greater number of college students.