There so much content! Over 200,000 podcasts from around the world. The best thing to do is check it out for yourself. You'll need iTunes software to access iTunes U. It's free. And you don't have to have an iPod to access the podcasts. You can listen to or view the podcasts on your computer if you don't have have an Apple mobile device. Here's a link to the Apple site to download iTunes.
You can take classes offered by many universities from around the world, in a variety of different languages without leaving your home. You can attend seminars and workshops without paying the fees. Want to improve your Mandarin Chinese listening skills? Interested in learning about Vermeer's painting "The Milk Maid" that is housed at New York's Metropolitan Museum? Want to virtually VISIT the Met? Want to learn about educational technology from the state of Ohio's ed tech conference, University of South Florida, Penn State? I could go on. It's worth a visit.
One thing to note is that if you find a podcast series that interests you, iTunes will provide a link to the site that houses the podcast series so that you can visit that website for more details. iTunes will also provide links to other similar content that other subscribers also visit or download.
So, whatever subject interests you, iTunes or iTunes U probably has a podcast. If you're the self-motivated learner, there are NO EXCUSES. There's something on iTunes that can help you in your quest for knowledge.
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Wow, sounds really attractive and amazing. I've never used iTunes before(how old-fashion I am), and I can't wait to benifit from it now. Very good introduction, Stacey.
ReplyDeleteStacey,
ReplyDeleteiTunesU sounds fantastic! I automatically think of the economy behind websites and I'm wondering how these free podcasts generate revenue for iTunes and what is the incentive for teachers, etc to create the podcast...maybe just that iTunes links viewers to the podcast's orgin website.
I agree that these podcasts seem incredible for self-motivated learners... I wonder how we could use them in the classrooms for unmotivated learners. There is a lot of research swirling around that says using technology increases student motivation, but that always relies on how effectively teachers employ technology within lessons. We should see if there are any podcasts about digital storyetlling on iTunes U!
Thanks,
Jilian