Itunes University

I think using Itunes University in the classroom will save money and allow students to remember things better. Itunes University has a database of tons of podcasts for free from top museums and research facilities. If a science teacher wanted to do a unit about sea turtles she could use Itunes and download their “turtlecast” for free instead of having to go and purchase a likely very expensive and old VHS. This generation of students has also been exposed to Itunes previously so they will not have to learn very much new technology in order to start doing podcast reports of their own as well as listening to others. I think teachers enjoy using Itunes University because it gives the students a chance to be the teachers themselves. Also when the whole world can look up and see exactly what you said you’re more likely to take your work seriously so the quality of student podcasts may be higher than what they would have done on an essay or paper.
Itunes University could be especially useful in foreign language classes. It is very difficult to learn a second language once you get into middle school and up. Unfortunately that is generally when American students start their French or Spanish 101. The podcasts would allow students to have conversations among each other that they could post. The teacher could then listen to them all and critique each group equally instead of having to quickly move from group to group. If the students are able to hear the language they are learning each day and use it frequently they will be more likely to retain it. Also foreign language instructional book and tapes can cost hundreds of dollars but Itunes University is free. That’s always a plus for teachers and students!