iTunes U

Reviewed by : Erika Jones

Details: Apple, July 8, 2014/version 2.0, company, available for iOS 7 and higher.

Cost: free

I have used iTunes U from the informal learning perspective., but it can also be used as a learning management system (LMS) from the teaching perspective. After downloading the app, learners can search the catalog for a specific topic. The catalog is setup a lot like iTunes, making it very easy for Apple users to navigate.

From there, learners can participate in an organized informal learning environment. According to Park’s mobile learning types, iTunes U falls under the High Transactional Distance and Individualized Mobile Learning Activity (HI) category.  The instructor is available via e-mail. This app is also customizable, an important factor in mobile learning. For example, I am currently taking Spanish I, a self-paced course. Available courses appear in the opening screen. Within the course, there is a section for notes (audio and video), assignments, and announcements. While watching course videos, learners can bookmark certain areas.

Depending upon the chosen course, many of the 21st Century skills are covered. Overall Information Literacy, Media Literacy, and Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) skills are covered.

Works Cited

Park, Y. (2011). A pedagogical framework for mobile learning: Categorizing educational applications of mobile technologies into four types. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 12(2).