I have been thinking about iTunes U for a while now.
My main issue at the moment is why?
I am not concerned about the application process, as other colleges have undertaken the process.
Nor am I concerened about doing all the design work for the front end. Apple has useful guides and we have the resources to do this too.
I am slightly concerned about the following line from Apple’s website:
At a minimum, your institution should have 150 audio and video files of acceptable quality ready to go on day one, with a plan for posting updated content on a regular basis.
It’s not that we don’t have this level of content, nor am I concerned about whether it is to an acceptable quality, my slight concern is whether any of the content contains third party content that we may be licensed to use within college or on the VLE, but won’t have the rights to re-distribute those third party materials.
My main concern or worry is why!
Why would we use iTunes U?
We still need to host the materials.
We need to apply.
We need to sort out RSS.
We need to plan for regular content.
But why would we use iTunes U?
Apple say:
With an open iTunes U presence, your school can gain recognition — not to mention a competitive edge — as you reach out and share your knowledge.
I think I can see this from a University perspective competing for learners who may look at things like iTunes U. I am not so sure that our learners will be looking at or persuaded by us being on iTunes U.
I like the concept of iTunes U, but I can’t see why I should be using it.