iTunes U @ Appalachian State
How do I get my content on Appalachian State iTunesU?
We are allowing limited initial access to upload content to iTunes U. If you or your department have publicly available content and would like to participate in our beta program, please email Kevin Snook - snookkd@appstate.edu (x6682)
How do I access Appalachian State on iTunesU?
First, make sure you have iTunes installed. This is a free application.
Then browse to http://itunes.appstate.edu and click on the ASU User Login to iTunes U or Guest Login to iTunes U links.
Since iTunesU exists within the iTunes application, *your browser must be instructed to launch iTunes and open the correct URL for Appalachian State's content.
iTunesU doesn't launch when I click on the ASU User Login to iTunes U or Guest Login to iTunes U links. What should I do?
First, make sure you have iTunes installed. This is a free application.
If you're using Firefox, sometimes the browser forgets how to handle iTunes links. Try the following:
1. Launch Firefox
2. In the URL location box type about:config and tap the return key.
3. You will get a long list in the "filter" box type itms and tap the return key.
4. The list will be left with 1-2 things control/click OR right click on each item and choose RESET
5. Quit Firefox
6.
Next, launch Firefox again and type the following in the URL "location box." itmss://deimos.apple.com/
7. Hit return. A drop down menu should appear. Check the box for "Remember my choice for all links of this type" and click on "Launch Application." iTunes will/should launch.
If that does not work please call Support 828-262-6266 (x6266) or enter a RightNow Support Request online.
I want to distribute a URL to something specific in iTunesU. Can I link directly to this content?
Yes. Everything in iTunesU (Welcome Pages, courses, shows, tracks, tabs) has its own URL. Just right-click (Mac users control-click) on any item you want to link to, and you will see a menu that says "Copy iTunes Store URL". Once you copy the URL you can paste it into an email, etc.
I'm trying to view an [enhanced podcast/large video file] on iTunesU. Why can't I see all the slides when I double-click on some tracks?
Double-clicking on tracks in iTunesU opens a preview of that track. Usually this works ok for audio or short video files because your computer can grab enough of the file to start playing properly. But with enhanced podcasts (mp3 files that contain synchronized slides or pictures) or large video files, the entire file needs to be downloaded first. If you Subscibe or Get Track and wait for the file to download, it should play without any problems.
Can I edit my meta-data once my file has been uploaded into iTunesU?
Once your file has been uploaded into iTunesU you can NOT edit your meta-data. You must edit your meta-data before you upload your file.
How do I subscribe to a podcast?
1. Go to iTunes U at Appalachian State.
2. Click on Login to iTunes U.
3. Explore the material that is available by clicking on the various links (images) in the main body of the page. Each link will take you to a page concerning one or more podcasts. When you get to a page devoted to a specific podcast that interests you, click on its Subscribe button. All current and future episodes of that podcast will show up automatically on your computer.
What does it cost?
There is no charge for using this service. It is free to both content creators and subscribers.
Does Apple insert any proprietary digital rights management schemes into content uploaded to iTunes U?
No. All content is free of DRM.
Who owns the content in iTunes U?
All content is copyright © Appalachian State University
If I have a song I bought in iTunes, does that mean I can share it with my students using iTunes U?
No. They are two separate services, and iTunes U doesn't grant any special uses for content bought in the iTunes Music Store. The 5-computer-per-song limit is still in effect for any songs you purchased through the iTunes Music Store.
Are there options other than using iTunes software?
Currently, no. We are investigating other options, particularly for our visually impaired audience.
Will this content work with my Apple iPod?
Yes.
What if I have a non-Apple media player?
iTunes U supports both AAC and MP3 for audio content. All portable media players support MP3, but only a few support AAC. The advantages of AAC over MP3 center around smaller file sizes for a given level of audio quality. AAC is more efficient, letting you store more content on your mobile player, and there are other benefits as well (e.g., bookmarking content such as audiobooks). The only video format that is supported in iTunes U is a subset of MPEG-4 appropriate for mobile devices. Fortunately, many mobile players that support video also support MPEG-4.
You can convert AAC audio content to MP3 using Apple's iTunes software as follows:
1. Select Preferences.
2. Select Advanced.
3. Select Importing.
4. From the Import Using pulldown menu, select MP3 Encoder.
5. Select OK.
6. Close Preferences.
7. In your iTunes library. highlight a file that you want to convert.
8. Either control-click (Mac) or right-click (Windows) on the file.
9. Select Convert to MP3.
Since iTunes copies content from our iTunes U site to your local computer, you have the ability to copy content onto your mobile player using the management software that came with your player.
• On a Mac, control-clicking on a file in your iTunes podcast playlist will reveal a popup menu. Selecting Show in Finder will locate the file on your computer for you.
• On a Windows computer, right-clicking on a file in your iTunes podcast list will reveal a popup menu. Selecting Reveal in Explorer will locate the file on your computer for you. You can now copy this file onto your media player.
