Pepperdine's iTunes U Launched: Discover, Learn, Go!
Pepperdine University has joined the multimedia pioneers of higher education by launching its own version of iTunes U.
A service platform provided by Apple Inc. that enables the Pepperdine community to distribute digital videos and audio recordings in "podcast" form over the Internet, iTunes U will dramatically extend the reach of the University learning community.
Pepperdine's iTunes U channel launched officially on Dec. 1, with lectures, interviews, seminars, performances, sermons, and more, available for download at no charge. The platform provides an easy link to content 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is accessible to anyone with a Mac or PC.
"For centuries, libraries have facilitated the distribution of information and knowledge. Pepperdine iTunes U provides a new avenue for continuing this time-honored tradition," says Mark Roosa, dean of the University Libraries. "It will significantly enhance the University to share with the world some of the wonderful aspects of Pepperdine life, including our academic programs, our faith-based orientation, and the ways in which students are preparing to make a difference in the world."
Excited by the diverse sites already hosted by schools like Stanford, UCLA, and Abilene Christian, the Pepperdine Libraries signed a contract with Apple Inc. last spring and purchased equipment to begin development. Pepperdine's library team set to work to construct the foundation for a site that would be worthy of the Waves. Countless individuals and departments, faculty, staff, and students collaborated to gather existing materials for the site.
Now users can explore areas of the "Pepperdine Life" such as the Graziadio School's Deans Executive Leadership series, screenwriting lectures from the Communications division, or the 2008 School of Public Policy commencement address.
"By accessing diverse lectures, classes, and events, people will be able to engage in life-long learning while simultaneously connecting to Pepperdine," says Amy Hunter, director of library advancement and public relations. "The technology parallels the latest methods through which people are already consuming music and knowledge, making these supplemental resources easy to use on a computer or on the go!"
Malibu campus training sessions are planned for the coming months, with dates to be announced. For more information, please contact the University Libraries at (310) 506-7273. Visit the Pepperdine iTunes site at http://itunesu.pepperdine.edu.
Last Updated: December 12, 2008
