iTunes U

Apple iTunes U iPhone App

In 2007, Apple introduced a service on the iTunes store that gives users access to a wide selection of free educational programs. These programs included lectures, lessons, and courseware provided by universities and other educational institutions from around the world.

Essentially, the service offers everything someone would need to get a degree in multiple subjects without receiving an actual diploma.

This week, Apple supplemented the service by releasing a dedicated iTunes U iPhone app. The app allows users the ability to select and sync educational material directly from their phones. Therefore making the service available to people who rarely use iTunes on their Mac or PC.

iTunes U’s greatest strength is that it creates a hub for the massive amount of educational material that the internet has to offer. Like its music library, iTunes makes navigating and selecting courses easy because it consolidates multiple providers into one service.

All the iTunes U courses can be downloaded to a mobile device or directly streamed to your computer. Ultimately, it is no different than the way you access your music or movie purchases on iTunes.

Like any open ecosystem where anyone can post material, there are draw backs. At times the audio and video quality of the files is subpar.

Apple does a good job featuring the best programs, yet like the schools offering the material, the quality of the courses varies wildly.

There are paid alternatives to iTunes U that offer University level courses in a multitude of subjects, at reasonable prices.

Both “The Teaching Company” and “The Modern Scholars Series,” make professionally produced educational programs that feature highly regarded professors from various Universities.

The professors develop courses that draw from their specific experiences, expertise and academic reputation.

The courses range from first year undergraduate courses, to graduate programs that cover more specific elements within a subject.

You can purchase the programs as a direct download or the material can be shipped as a DVD or CD. Programs include detailed course outlines that help guide you through the lecture.

While both companies produce great products, I personally prefer courses from “The Teaching Company” over “The Modern Scholar Series” because of the higher quality of the programs and their extensive library of courses.

This quality is represented in the premium “The Teaching Company” charges for its courses.

Two alternatives to buying new programs from the companies include borrowing the programs from your local library or purchasing used programs on services like Ebay.

The added benefit of borrowing from the library, and buying used programs, is that you can get your hands on great courses that the companies have discontinued.

No matter what programs you choose to buy or download, it is good to know that there is so much free or cheap educational material available on the internet for people who are looking for a post-secondary education, but are not interested in obtaining a specific degree.