1. SOCALLT/CCFLT 2008 Audrey Sartiaux, Ph.D. Union College, Schenectady, NY Posting Audio Recordings and Video Files: iTunes University versus CMS (i.e. Blackboard), Which Is the Better Choice for Language Learning?

2. iTunes U: What Is It? Content management software for Podcasting of audio and video files Content management software for Podcasting of audio and video files –Created for specific course or specific purpose (i.e. Library, Admissions Office) –Accessible to specific users or the world Works with iTunes: nothing special to install on client machines but download iTunes Works with iTunes: nothing special to install on client machines but download iTunes Web interface (created by your ITS) Web interface (created by your ITS) Web interface Web interface Server space provided by Apple in California Server space provided by Apple in California Requirements: Mac or PC with iTunes installed and Internet connection Requirements: Mac or PC with iTunes installed and Internet connection

3. Web Interface for Secure Log-on itunes.union.edu

4. Union College iTunes U Home Page

5. Your Course on iTunes U

6. Editing Your Course

7. Content Management/Access Restriction

8. Downloading Files: Your Library

9. Uploading and Managing Files

10. File Formats Supported Audio: AAC or MP3 Audio: AAC or MP3 –Audacity free and easy to use (audacity.sourceforge.net) audacity.sourceforge.net –Other software: Goldwave (PC), Soundtrack Pro and Garage Band (MAC) Video: iTunes .mp4,.m4v (great for voice over slides), and.mov but to play on iPod and Apple TV more complicated (aspect ratio isuue - see guide on Apple.com) Video: iTunes .mp4,.m4v (great for voice over slides), and.mov but to play on iPod and Apple TV more complicated (aspect ratio isuue - see guide on Apple.com)

11. How Useful Is iTunes U for Language Learning? For all level language courses For all level language courses –Pronunciation exercises –Oral production assessment –Easy distribution of audio files (homemade or textbook) and videos Intermediate language courses Intermediate language courses –Podcasts production on specific theme for class discussion/linked with class presentation and/or Wikis (i.e. interview with native speakers)

12. Audio and Video on Blackboard

13. Discussion Forum Great for Audio Exercises

14. Discussion Threads – Peer to Peer Exercises

15. Audio and Video Files on BB: The Lowdown Positives: Positives: –One site for everything –One less thing to learn Negatives: Negatives: –Space demand on server is high –Where to put audio on BB (some in Forum, some in Documents etc.), harder to find for students –Retrieval method for instructor is cumbersome

16. Audio Exercises for Language Learning Better with BB? Great for peer to peer/peer review exercises Great for peer to peer/peer review exercises Instructor posts individual feedback easily Instructor posts individual feedback easily Can post directions for exercises (or use as write board to complement iTunes U) Can post directions for exercises (or use as write board to complement iTunes U) Problem: Time consuming to listen to all audio files for instructors and to download and upload files Problem: Time consuming to listen to all audio files for instructors and to download and upload files

17. Why iTunes U, then? User friendly interface for faculty and students (they know it already) or very short learning curve User friendly interface for faculty and students (they know it already) or very short learning curve It’s cool It’s cool Push vs Pull technology: time saver for you no excuses for them Push vs Pull technology: time saver for you no excuses for them Practicality: take your students homework wherever you go with your iPod Practicality: take your students homework wherever you go with your iPod

18. Conclusion Is iTunes U or BB better suited to the needs of Language Teaching and Learning? Both fill different needs BUT if iTunes is a great complement to Blackboard it is not a replacement Both fill different needs BUT if iTunes is a great complement to Blackboard it is not a replacement

19. Extra: How To Get iTunes U? Apple website and info on iTunes U Apple website and info on iTunes U Apple website Apple website Check what other Universities are doing: download public podcasts Check what other Universities are doing: download public podcasts –iTunes U store in iTunes iTunes U storeiTunes U storeiTunes Apply through IT department Apply through IT department –Questions to ask yourself: Compatibility challenges for ITS? Free for now but in the Future? Servers are owned by Apple: what will happen to content if discontinued etc.

20. iTunes U Store