What is iTunes U?

iTunes U is a service hosted by Apple that allows instructors, administrators, and affiliates to manage, distribute, and control access to educational audio and video content for students within a college or university using Apple's iTunes Store infrastructure.

What is Podcasting?

Podcasting is a delivery system that allows the user to automatically download content to their machine whenever the content is updated using the iTunes software. Podcasts can also be synced onto an iPod for listening anywhere.

Why use iTunes U?

iTunes U allows instructors to make course material available to students anywhere they go. Students can view course material when they need too, and by syncing course material to their iPod students can study or review content no matter where they are.

The search is not returning many GCSU tracks. Is there something Wrong?

The search function currently references the main iTunes Music Store. GCSU on iTunes U tracks are catalogued separately, and will not be found in a search at the moment.

In Windows, I get an error which reads: "An external application must be launched to handle itmss links. Requested link: ..." followed by a long URL. Then I'm warned about a possible attempt to exploit a weakness in iTunes. Do I need to worry?

No, this is normal behavior in Windows and you can safely allow iTunes to open the link. The reason you get the warning is because we must send Apple a long URL describing what access you have to iTunes U when you log into GCSU's iTunes U portal site. In return, Apple sends you a URL redirecting your browser to open iTunes with your access privileges. To Windows, this appears to be suspicious behavior. But it's safe to allow iTunes to open the URL.

Will I be able to use another music player, such as a Microsoft Zune, Creative Zen, Sony PSP, iRiver, or SanDisk player, with GCSU on iTunes U?

There is support in iTunes for most third-party players. However, audio content recorded using the AAC codec (including music purchased from Apple) will likely only work with iPods. MP3 and MPEG-4 content should work with most any player capable of playing it. Nearly all music players will play MP3 content and practically any video player can handle MPEG-4 content. iTunes U does not use any digital rights management, so content that you download can usually be made to play on any reasonable device.

Why do I need my MyCats account to access iTunes U?

Students will need their MyCats username and password to access many of the course-specific content, while faculty and staff will need their MyCats username and password to access employee-specific information from areas such as Human Resources. More public content, such as sporting events and campus-wide events, will be availble without the need to login.

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