14 DAY TRIAL // Apple told everyone that they woulddrelease a brand new iTunes App and today they did. The 2.0 version brings new ways to create and update courses straight on the iPad.
iTunes U is Apple's way to get to the classroom in 2014. The App paves the way for teachers to create lessons and assignments and helps the students participate in and out of the classroom. The teacher can use the web-based iTunes U Course Manager or do the changes right there, in the app.
Apple describes the app as "the best way to create and experience courses on the iPad." However, this is a universal app, meaning you can actually use it on an iPhone or iPod touch.
iTunes U can grant you access to complete courses from some of the world's best universities and schools and an awesome free digital catalog covering multiple subjects, everything from Biology, History, or foreign languages.
The app now has updated requirements: it only works with devices that are on iOS 7 or later, both for participating in courses or for creating courses. You need an Apple ID and iTunes 10.5.2 or later to sync your device with your computer.
Apple says iTunes U "makes it simple for students participating in private courses to pose questions on the course or any post or assignment." As an added bonus, now other students in the same class can join the discussion and ask questions or even help their fellows in providing the right answer.
The new app has Push Notifications so discussions are seen right away.
When you first open the app, you are being asked to tap the + button to create or join a course or tap the Catalog button to browse the gallery. In order to create a new course, you need to first register as an iTunes U instructor.
The Catalog looks just like the iBookstore or the AppStore. You get a few tabs with different categories on top and then you can choose a University or school, or just browse the standout Courses.
You can also check the Top Charts of Courses or Collections. The charts show a list of the 40 most appreciated items. Currently, the most downloaded Course is "Developing iOS 7 Apps for iPhone and iPad" from Stanford University, followed by a Biology Textbook and Spanish classes.
The Collections are led by "Mindful Meditations" from UCLA, followed by "banking and Money" and "How to Think Like a Psychologist."
Apple also offers inspiring Graduation Speeches that you can download just like a podcast episode.