Spring Arbor University has joined up with Apple's iTunes U service to reach a broader audience through an emerging technology. To leverage the ever-increasing iPod popularity, universities like Stanford, UC Berkeley and Duke have turned to iTunes U to provide audio and video content to students and the general public. After careful exploration of the value and impact of iTunes U, the University has joined the expanding trend with these leaders in higher education.

"In listening to the requests of our students, and evaluating the newest and best technology, we are pleased to announce our partnership with Apple. ITunes U is an easy and reliable way to get audio and video curriculum content to our students," says Reed Sheard, vice president for technology services and CIO.

ITunes U is a specialized Web application that offers downloadable multimedia files in Apple's familiar iTunes interface. SAU will soon offer general content such as audio recordings of public lectures and videos of chapel services for the public as well as private access to course content for students and faculty.

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One of the most practical applications for the iTunes U software is the distribution of academic course content. Two pilot courses - using iPods to supplement regular classroom instruction - are launching this semester as part of a research project headed by Randy Meredith, director of academic technology at SAU. Class discussions, lectures and other materials will be available for students enrolled in these courses through iTunes U.

Sheard is excited about the value of iTunes U for distributing course content. "With iTunes U, we are taking a robust infrastructure and making it available for SAU courses and degrees. For the first time, people will be able to listen to course information not only on their personal computer but also on the go as they take it with them through their iPods or mp3 players."