What is iTunes U?
iTunes U is a free hosted content distribution system from Apple that enables colleges and universities to make audio and video material from lectures, interviews, and other sources more available to students with the ease of the iTunes Store. It allows users to download the content to their Mac or PC, transfer the information to their iPod or other portable media players and listen or view content anywhere and anytime.
What are the advantages of iTunes U over other venues?
iTunes U simply provides another option. If you already post content to the Internet using other venues or a department server, iTunes U can be a great secondary location. Many current, former, and prospective students already visit the iTunes site to download music and video files, so they are familiar with how to use this service. The growing popularity of iTunes makes iTunes U an attractive location for your content.
What are the differences between iTunes U and You Tube?
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iTunes U |
You Tube |
| Requirements |
iTunes Software (Mac & PC) |
Macromedia Flash Player 7.0+ plug-in
Windows 2000 or higher with latest updates installed
Mac OS X 10.3 or higher
Firefox 1.1+, Internet Explorer 5.0+, or Safari 1.0+
Broadband connection with 500+ Kbps |
| Download to iPod |
Yes |
No, Playable via YouTube player on computers and handheld devices. |
| Embed Content into web page |
No, but you can link to courses inside of the iTunes U store. |
Yes, embed video player directly on your web page. |
| File Size Limits. |
No Limits, supports files up to 500MB (approx 1hour of video) |
10 Minutes/1GB |
| Supported Media Types |
Audio, Video, PDF |
Video only |
| Limit Access |
Yes, course can be password protected. |
No, content is open to the public |
Do users need an iPod to use this site?
No, you do not need a portable device. You can view and download podcasts directly onto your computer.
What formats are support on iTunes U
iTunes U supports the distribution of compressed audio and video files. Apple recommends using the following formats for your audio and video content:
*Audio files (AAC, MP3) with appropriate file extensions (.m4a, .mp3). For best results during playback, Apple recommends converting MP3 files greater than 32 megabytes (MB) to AAC format. For AAC audio files, Apple recommends the following specifications:
- Audio Format: Baseline Low-Complexity Profile with AAC-LC (Music)
- Data Rate: Up to 160 Kbps
- Channels: Stereo in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov formats
- Output Sample Rate: 48 kHz
- Encoding Quality: Better
*Video files (MPEG-4 with H.264 compression) with appropriate file extensions (.mp4, .m4v, .mov). For best results with iPod, Apple recommends using MPEG-4 with H.264 compression with the following specifications:
- Video Format: MPEG-4 with H.264
- Data Rate: Up to 1.5 Mbps
- Image Size: 640 x 480 pixels
- Frame Rate: 30 frames per second
- Key Frame: Every 24 frames
- Audio Tracks: Baseline Low-Complexity Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps
You can also use iTunes U to distribute Portable Document Format (PDF) files.
Can I link my department’s or course web site to the UMass Boston iTunesU site?
Yes. You are encouraged to create a link on your web site to tell your audience about your content on iTunes U. Departments also may include material for recruiting students that will be available to the public. With just a few clicks, your audience will be able to download your content onto their computer or portable device.
Linking directly to your content in iTunes U
1. Navigate to the desired course page with-in iTunesU.
2. Right click (or control click) on the link for the iTunes U course. Select Copy iTunesU Store URL.
How do I get my content on to iTunesU
UMass Boston faculty and departments are allowed to post content on UMass Boston iTunes U's site for more information please contact itunesuadmin@umb.edu
How do I convert a DVD/ CD content for iTunes U?
The Digital Learning Studio provides transfer services from one media to another. These services are free and the content should be related to course material or for promoting your educational program. Please contact dls@umb.edu for more information.
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