General Questions
What is iTunes U?
iTunes U allows instructors and university units to easily post content - audio, video or pdf files - on the web. Students and university members can then use iTunes U to access this content at any time. They can browse and download the files to their Macs or PCs, regardless of their location, and then listen to and view the content on their computers or transfer it to their iPods to listen to or view it wherever they go.
iTunes U is based on the same web application that runs the iTunes Music Store, which is an online music service run by Apple. However, instead of storing and accessing music files, iTunes U is used to store and access files with educational and research content.
What are the system requirements for iTunes U?
- iTunes U requires iTunes version 6.0 or later for Mac and Windows. Apple recommends using iTunes version 7.0 or later, and in order to guarantee a consistent user experience, always using the latest version of iTunes. The most current version of iTunes can be found at the iTunes website.
- iTunes U works with most modern, standards-compliant browsers. Apple recommends using one of the following browsers:
- Safari 2.0 or later on Mac
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or later on Windows
How do I access Missouri State on iTunes U?
- Go to Apple's website and download the most current version of iTunes for either Mac or Windows.
- Double-click on the iTunes Installer file and follow the instructions provided.
- Launch Missouri State on iTunes U.
Will I have to pay to access content in Missouri State on iTunes U?
No. Unlike the iTunes Music Store, all of the content within iTunes U is free.
Do I need an iPod to use iTunes U?
No. You can listen on your Mac or PC via the iTunes software, transfer files to an alternate MP3 audio player, or burn your content to a CD or DVD.
Is Missouri State on iTunes U content under copyright protection?
No. While we do not implement any digital rights management (DRM) for Missouri State content on iTunes U, all content is subject to Missouri State's Copyright Policy.
What is a podcast?
A podcast is a series of digital audio or video files that are distributed over the Internet through a syndicated download, usually via an RSS Feed. Though the same audio and video content may also be made available by direct download or streaming, a podcast is distinguished from other digital-media formats by its ability to be syndicated, subscribed to, and downloaded automatically when new content is added.
Why are some audio files encoded as AAC?
AAC has better sound quality and smaller file sizes than MP3 files. You may use either iTunes or Quicktime for Windows to play .mp4 AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) files, or any other player capable of playing AAC. In addition, there are many portable devices that can play AAC files.
How do I convert audio files to MP3?
To re-encode the AAC (.mp4) files into the .mp3 format, download the content first into your iTunes library. Click on the Advanced icon within your iTunes Preferences, and navigate to the Importing tab. Then select MP3 Encoder in the Import Using menu. Finally, highlight the file(s) that you wish to convert, go to the Advanced menu, and click on Convert Selection to .mp3. Additionally, you can right-click on any file in your iTunes library and select Convert Selection t MP3.
Uploader Questions
Does Apple own my content if I upload it to iTunes U?
No. The content uploaded to iTunes U retains ownership with the original content owner.
Is the content hosted on a Missouri State University server?
Public content in Missouri State on iTunes U is hosted on a server at Apple, Inc. The Office of Web and New Media administers the public side and it's associated site. Restricted course content is hosted locally on a Missouri State University server. Missouri State Online administers restricted course content hosted on iTunes U.
Uploaders are encouraged to create and maintain backups of their iTunes U content, as no separate backup system is in place. Note: If you have digital content on a local server, it is possible to set up an RSS feed to iTunes U from your server, without having to re-upload the content to the Apple iTunes U server.
Can anyone upload content to iTunes U?
University Units can post content to the public side of iTunes U, while faculty can upload their course content and have it made available publicly or restrict it to only students enrolled in their courses.
How can I contribute to iTunes U?
University members can request a section within Missouri State on iTunes U by visiting the following website: http://itunesu.missouristate.edu/contribute.
What is the difference between the public and private sections of iTunes U?
Typical content within the public section will include lectures, athletics, campus community content, event highlights, radio shows, and more. The private section of iTunes U consists of course content restricted to Missouri State University students.
Can I put copyrighted material on iTunes U?
We encourage you to review the Missouri State University Copyright Policy. Because our data is stored on a server at Apple, we also will refer you to their policy on copyright (PDF).
What should iTunes U be used for?
iTunes U is a digital content repository for university-related audio or video files, podcasts, and PDF documents. The difference between iTunes U and other sites is that the content has the capability of being mobile. Students and other university members can download course content, videos, or lectures to their mobile devices or laptop and listen or watch on the go. Podcasting is considered ‘push technology’ meaning when new files are uploaded to a podcast, they are automatically pushed to the subscribers. Missouri State on iTunes U is set up for podcasting site-wide.
Is iTunes U only for podcasts?
No. Podcasts are just one type of digital audio or video that can be posted. A podcast is distinguished from other digital media formats by its ability to be syndicated, subscribed to, and downloaded automatically. Individual digital audio and video files, as well as PDFs, can also be downloaded on an individual basis, or streamed within iTunes. However, all files on iTunes U have the capability of being podcasted easily. All the user needs to do is select the ‘Subscribe’ button and each time that section within iTunes U is updated, the subscriber will automatically receive the update.
Are there size restrictions on the file size I upload?
Yes. Each individual file must not exceed 200 MB.
Where can I find iTunes U support documentation?
Online support documentation from Apple can be found at the following site: http://www.apple.com/support/itunes_u/