• What is podcasting?

    What differentiates a podcast from downloading or streaming audio is the delivery channel. Podcasts can be delivered to subscribers via a Really Simple Syndication (RSS) channel. This RSS feed contains a reference to the original audio file and delivers it to those who have previously subscribed. Like a magazine subscription for rich media, the RSS feed can deliver many types of content -- audio, video, and PDFs are just a few. There are dozens of tools one can use to subscribe to an RSS podcast feed.

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  • What is iTunes U?

    iTunes U is a free hosted content distribution system from Apple that enables colleges and
    universities to make audio and video material from lectures, interviews, audio books and other
    sources more available to students with the ease of the iTunes Store. It allows the user to download
    the content a Mac or PC or transfer the information to an iPod and listen to it or view it
    anywhere and anytime.

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  • Do I need an iPod or Mac to access iTunes U?

    No. The iTunes application is available for both Windows and Mac. The audio content available through Ball State University on iTunes U is encoded in standard MP3 format, and is playable on a wide variety of portable media devices. Also, the video content is encoded in standard MPEG-4 format, which is supported by a number of cross-platform video applications.

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  • How do I access Ball State's iTunes U content?

    To access the Ball State Teachers College iTunes U site, click here. 

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  • What are the "Browse, Login, Join" buttons for?

    The Browse button allows access to all non-restricted content. The Login button will allow access to restricted content related to courses or to faculty, staff, or participants engaged in certain programs with Ball State. The Join button allows you to request an account to access restricted content.

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  • Are there any fees associated with gaining access to content on Ball State's iTunes U?

    There will be several types of content available for access. There will be content that will be free and accessible to anyone entering BSU's iTunes U.

    Some content supporting class lecture and material may be restricted.

    Professional development content will be restricted and require a fee/fees. All fee-based content is handled solely through Ball State University, not Apple, and will require that you create an account with Ball State for billing purposes. To create an account, go to     https://www.bsu.edu/itunes/index.php and click Join.

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  • Are there other departments at Ball State using iTunes U?

    At this time, Teachers College is the only participating department at Ball State. It is anticipated that other departments will be joining soon.

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  • How do I submit content for iTunes U?

    If you are a faculty member and wish to create and provide content for iTunes U or you want more information about other podcasting options, please fill in a Project Request here.

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  • Do I have to use iTunes U to deliver or provide access to my podcast episodes?

    No. You can create content and use the resources provided by UCS with your BSU iWeb account to host and distribute your podcast. You can also deliver your podcast through numerous free and fee-based RSS services.

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  • How do I podcast my class lectures?
    Podcasting your class lectures can be accomplished by using the resources provided by Ball State University Computing Services (UCS) and/or the Teachers College iStudio.

    The iStudio provides equipment (such as video cameras, digital cameras, high-quality microphones, and more) for checkout and has computer workstations available for use. If you need assistance getting started or producing your podcast episodes, the iStudio can help. To schedule and work with a consultant, we ask that you submit a Project Request in order to devote proper time and planning for your needs. To view what is available for checkout, or to reserve a piece of equipment, please visit the online Event and Equipment Reservation System (EERS) Request Equipment page.

    You can publish and make your podcast episodes available to your students through use of UCS's iWeb web hosting services. Using software such as RapidWeaver to create your website, you can host and deliver your class lecture podcasts using the iWeb services. When creating your site, you need to make sure that it's capable of creating RSS pages for your students to subscribe to. For more information on how to create your site, please visit the Getting Started page. Back to Top
  • How do I create a podcast?
    Creating a podcast episode can range from simple to complex, depending on the type of podcast you choose. To get detailed information on the options and how to create a podcast episode, please visit the Getting Started page. Back to Top