Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)           Download a PDF version

1. 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.

2. Who uses iTunes U?
Primarily University of Akron students, faculty and staff use iTunes U. However, parts of the service are open to the public.

3. 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.

4. Do I need an IPOD to use this site?
No, you do not need a portable device to view and download podcasts directly onto your computer.

5. What is podcasting?
“Podcasting,” the latest trend in educational technology, allows an instructor to create audio and video recordings of class lectures and other content that can be shared with their students. Students can listen or view these files at their convenience using iPods or other MP3 players.

6. Do I need special software to allow users to view my podcasts?
No, your content can be downloaded automatically, using an RSS feed.

7. What is an RSS feed?
RSS is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated digital content, such as podcasts.

8. What type of content is acceptable?
Content placed on the UA iTunesU site may include .mp3 or .AAC audio files and MPEG-4 or Quicktime video files. Also, any material posted must meet the conditions of federal copyright law.

9. How do I post my content to the UA iTunes U site?
Any faculty member wishing to post course content will be registered and “issued” a folder to be controlled by that faculty member. You may then post content for any classes you teach and only registered students in your classes will have access to this material.

10. Can I link my department’s website to the UA iTunesU site?
Yes. You are encouraged to create a link on your website 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.

11. How do I create a podcast?
Faculty may contact Design and Development Services for assistance in creating a podcast. DDS offers a wide-range of production services, such as video and audio production, editing and media streaming and will recommend the equipment needed for recording your own podcasts.

12. What format is required for podcasts?
• Audio – AAC, MP3 with .m4a, .mp3 extensions Data Rate: 128kbits/sec Channels: Stereo Output Sample Rate: 44.100 kHz Encoding Quality: Better
• Video – MPEG-4, H.264 with .mp4, .m4v, .mov file extensions. File type H.264 will work best with iPods for those of you anticipating that your files will be downloaded to an iPod Data rate: 256 kbits/sec Image size: 320 x 240 Frame Rate: 30 Key Frame: every 24 frames
• PDFs - .pdf extension

13. How do I convert a DVD video to MP4?
DDS provides transfer services from one media to another. These services are free if the content is related to course material or for promoting your educational program.

14. Can access to my content be restricted to certain users?
At this time, the general public may access promotional and informational materials created by UA departments and organizations. Content created for specific credit courses will require UA net ID and password authentication to allow access only to students registered for that specific class.