Birmingham City University is aiming to reach a new generation of students by launching its own area on iTunes U – a dedicated area of the iTunes Store featuring editorial content.
iTunes U gives learners and anybody with a thirst for knowledge free access to a library of educational podcasts, similar to the way music-lovers have flexible access to music using Apple’s iTunes Store.
Birmingham City University, an innovator in hi-tech teaching, has launched with more than 200 podcasts on iTunes U, with more to follow.
The learning store will be an invaluable resource to both students and the wider community, featuring audio and video content spanning a range of sectors, such as the arts, performance, design, the creative industries, health, the humanities, green issues and university life.
Content includes a welcome message from Vice-Chancellor Professor David Tidmarsh, talks by leading experts such as David Lowe, who has composed the theme music for BBC News, and showcases by leading classical performers, such as American composer and virtuoso pianist Frederic Rzewski.
Visitors will also discover award-winning student animation, professional documentaries, specialist skills workshops for vocational courses such as nursing, plus tutorials, lectures and round-table talks by academics from a mix of disciplines.
Using iTunes U, digital material can be easily downloaded on to mobile technology, such as the iPod or iPhone, or simply viewed on a PC or Mac.
“iTunes U at Birmingham City University is a very exciting development – a real coup,” said Oliver Williams, who has led the project to implement iTunes U at the university.
“iTunes U enables us to share new knowledge, ideas and applied work with the world outside of the university by using the very latest in new technology.
“Users can access learning material anywhere, anytime. It might be an undergraduate on a train or bus.”
