iTunes U: Get Ready for Back to School

As students and their families prepare for the back-to-school season, few would think iTunes or that well-used iPod would be among useful tools. Yet thanks to a relatively novel resource from the masterminds at Apple, students can now honestly list iTunes among their needed school supplies.

iTunes U is a free resource provided by Apple through the iTunes store. Anyone -- from students to retirees -- looking to learn something new can access iTunes U's free library, which has content from general information to full courses, provided by some of the nation's leading universities. Students can also find content from leading museums, such as the MoMA, and much more in the resource's "Beyond Campus" section. A newer section includes content for K-12 teachers and students.

Accessing iTunes U is as simple as turning on your computer and accessing your iTunes account. Students can browse through a variety of topics and download almost innumerable resources to enhance their education. There's something for just about everyone -- from poetry to physics.

For those skeptical that iTunes can provide viable academic content, the majority of iTunes U's content is aimed at higher education. However, the museum and language content alone are enough to give some intermediate and secondary school students a little edge as they head back to classes. In the language section, students can, for example, study introductory Spanish or elementary Greek. In the "Beyond Campus" section, students will find museum exhibits showcasing original artwork, modern music, historical archives and more.

iTunes has made easy it to access this content. To start, the content is 100 percent free. Students can download content to their computers, load it onto iPods or iPhones. Much of the content is updated on a weekly basis, giving students the opportunity to keep learning even as school starts up. Students can listen to or watch the content as it updates or store it for future use.

The benefits are great for students, but they apply to educators as well. The K-12 section has some content for students, but it's primarily aimed at educators. In this section, teachers and school administrators have access to a wealth of information from school districts all over the United States. Currently, only seven states are participating (and some to a greater extent than others), but the information contained there is well worth the exploration.

These resources include study guides, journal prompts, activity suggestions and more. As you or your students and children get ready to head back to school, take a little time to check out iTunes U. Instead of loading your iPod with back-to-school music, think about loading it with some free Spanish or French lessons, a new history lesson or some fresh art exhibits. Get a head start on your education or keep brushing up with some great free academic resources. With iTunes U, you can rock your education the same way you rock your stereo system.