Kent State to Offer Content through Apple's iTunes University Program

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Kent State students can now access lectures and digital course materials through an innovative partnership between the university and Apple Inc.’s iTunes U program, the pioneering delivery channel for digital audio and video content.

Register for June 22 Podcasting and iTunes U Conference To launch the Kent State community into the exciting world of podcasting and iTunes U, Educational Technology and Distance Learning invites you to its kick-off conference, “Podcasting and iTunes U at KSU: What, Why and How?” on June 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Moulton Hall. The event will feature a keynote address, a panel discussion and how-to sessions for using iTunes U and new kinds of digital programming to enhance learning at Kent State. Lunch will be provided at the event, as well many exciting door prizes. (Hint: think lots of iPods.) Faculty who attend the conference will be eligible for a new mini-grant program that will provide support and release time to integrate podcasting into their teaching. Registration is available on the “Podcasting and iTunes U at KSU: What, Why and How?” conference Web site. On-site registration on the day of the event begins at 10 a.m. For more information about iTunes U or the conference, contact David Dalton at ddalton@kent.edu or Jay Frye at j@kent.edu.

The new service, which is called FlashCast and started on June 1, will also provide the general public with access to copyright-free content, such as university speeches and events.

With the launch of its iTunes U program, Kent State joins a growing list of elite universities invited to join Apple’s iTunes, including Stanford University, University of Michigan and University of California-Berkley.

A public kick-off event for the new venture is from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 22, at Moulton Hall on the Kent Campus.

This fall semester, students will be able to subscribe to and download audio, video and graphic content from Kent State courses through iTunes U, which is a part of Apple's popular digital music and movie service iTunes.

Apple and Kent State’s Division of Information Services developed the project.

"This project will offer the Kent State community a valuable resource," says Ed Mahon, chief information officer and Kent State vice president for information services. "Kent State's iTunes U is not meant to replace the classroom experience, but to provide new and innovative learning opportunities that allow students and faculty to remain actively engaged in the learning process, no matter what time it is or where they are in the world.

Participation with iTunes U is entirely optional, and our goal is to provide extensive support for faculty who want to explore that option," Mahon adds.

Members of the Kent State University community can access Kent State on iTunesU and support information about the university’s service at http://itunes.kent.edu. You can also learn more about iTunes U and podcasting on Apple’s Web site.