Studying with iPods will become the new trend if UW-Platteville is granted access to iUniversity, a service powered by Apple through the iTunes store.

“iUniversity is a dedicated store for university materials, at no cost,” Dan Frommelt, University Worldwide Web Coordinator, said.

UW-P has signed the contract which only needs approval by Apple, Frommelt said. Upon approval, UW-P would have access to the software and server, provided by Apple, at no cost.

If the university gets approved for iUniversity, we would become the fifth UW System school to utilize this technology, Frommelt said. iUniversity would be accessed through D2L, and allow students another way to access material from class.

“If I can deliver in a variety of ways, I’m doing more for the student,” B.J. Reed, communications technologies department chair said.

Faculty would be able to post videos, audio recordings, notes and additional material via podcasts that students would have unlimited access to, Frommelt said. The free service would only require a subscription, and then newly posted material would be automatically updated for the student.

“It’s meant to supplement, not take away from face-to-face time,” Reed said.

Faculty would be able to provide students with another way to access and review notes and lectures, Reed said. Students learn differently, and by providing several ways to access the information, the needs of students are being met through this new way.

Once granted access, Frommelt will work with a handful of already interested staff, including Reed, to trial the software. Fall 2008 will be the first semester iUniversity will be available on campus if Apple signs the contract.

“I would gladly support iUniversity,” Kenny Brotheridge, Student Senate vice president, said.

The success of iUniversity will be determined by the faculty and student interest, Frommelt said. This new outlet, like D2L, will be highly encouraged, but not forced upon faculty to utilize.

Brotheridge would love to see iUniversity as widely utilized at D2L. In light of the recent review of the usage of D2L from Senate, Brotheridge would gladly include iUniversity in the proposal being written dealing with D2L.

“It’s up to the faculty. Some are nervous about posting their notes, but they always have been,” Frommelt said. “It’s new technology that people will get excited about.”

Frommelt would love to see iUniversity used to spotlight campus activities and events. Students will have the chance to interact and see what is going on at their campus in new form that is automatically updated for them.

UW-P has been looking into a way to provide podcasting capabilities, but had issues to deal with, such as server space. Frommelt said by utilizing iTunes, Apple will provide all the technical support, leaving faculty to worry about uploading their material.