Apple boosts iTunes U with iPad educational tools

Apple is giving its education app, iTunes U , a boost, adding new tools to a make learning and teaching via iPad easier than ever.

Starting on the 8th July, teachers will now be able to edit, create and manage courses directly from the iPad . Rather than having to make everything from scratch, iTunes U integrates with iWork, iBooks and any of the 75,000 education apps available for the platform. This means teachers can make courses full of rich media that's available elsewhere on the iPad. For that personal touch, teachers can also capture photos and videos using the iPad's camera, integrating their own home-spun learning aids and examples.

“Education is at the core of Apple’s DNA and iTunes U is an incredibly valuable resource for teachers and students,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “iTunes U features an amazing selection of academic materials for everyone around the world. Now, with the ability to better manage and discuss educational content, learning becomes even more personalised on iPad.”

For students, iTunes U will let them start class discussions and ask the teacher questions directly from the iPad. With this kind level of collaboration, learning can continue outside of the classroom, with students able to continue asking questions whenever they like. Of course, control is completely in the teachers' hands, with full moderation of all discussions.

“Discussions in iTunes U puts the potential for thoughtful exploration and collaboration into the hands of every one of our students,” said Larry Reiff, a teacher from Roslyn High School in New York. “iPad and iTunes U continue to provide students with the tools they need to build knowledge and demonstrate their learning.”

All of the new updates are completely free and will be available through the app starting on the 8th July. Teachers can create courses in 69 countries, although they can make them and educational content available to iTunes U users in 155 countries.