There are several components incorporated into iTunes that already exist in other form. For example, the page that stores all the offered courses and other information, such as presentations, videos, etc are displayed on the collection page that looks like the online bookstore shelf collection. Second, the in-session and self-paced courses are basically webcam classes offered to students exist at UC Berkeley, and other schools.
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There are also other features you can find more information here: http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2013/04/apples-virtual-university-patent-finally-comes-to-light.html
All the features iTunes U are offering do not seem like an introduction of new technologies Apple has developed. They seem like a collection of existing ideas in a package, and market it to the customers. iTunes U brings back to the point I mentioned in my old posts that this iTunes U patent seems like another marketing package tool to gain more revenue rather than promoting innovation. I am a little bit disappointed at Apple. The idea of iTunes U could be more modified. However, I still support the traditional education method rather than transferring to the whole education method virtually. Even though, iTunes U could make learning a lot more convenient for a lot of people, it loses a lot of values you learn from a traditional classroom. It definitely loses the interaction and teamwork building that people value. It seems like the world is turning into a digital world, where people are interacting less and less face-to-face basis.
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This is very cool! Maybe we are the last generation of students that need to attend a physical school. Once everyone can have access to education, the world will be truly flat!
ReplyDeleteInteresting, a lot of courses are being put online these days. iTunes integration will only make it more popular.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be an interesting concept if it was used to augment existing courses/classes. I do feel there's a need for a good platform where universities can upload their content and students can easily view it. Then again YouTube should serve that need perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that Apple give less and less surprises to its users when they releases their new products. I wonder if it going to the dead end now, or Apple might need another Steve Jobs to save it. I wonder how large the impact is going to be for the iTune U to the world.
ReplyDeleteI do fear for the next generation's inability to communicate face-to-face with each other. iTunes U certainly is going make a lot of people's life much easier, especially people can probably work and take classes at the same time. I feel like Apple needs another Steve Jobs to stay on top of being the innovative leader in the market, or Samsung is going to replace them.
DeleteRight now MOOC courses are gaining a lot of traction, so it makes sense for Apple to begin moving into the higher education realm. However, we will have to wait and see if they are actually able to structure courses into a solid academic degree. It seems like that may way farther down the road.
ReplyDeleteApple seems to be trying to be a jack of all trades truly. I think it's great if this technology and education empowerment will help young children who typically don't have access to it, but to those that do have access to face-to-face traditional learning, should continue to take advantage of that.
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