Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Podcasting?
- What is iTunes U?
- What is ASU on iTunes U?
- Do I need an ASURITE ID to use ASU on iTunes U?
- Is ASU on iTunes U available for both Windows and Macintosh?
- How much do podcasts at iTunes cost?
- What are the benefits of ASU on iTunes U?
- How can I start using ASU on iTunes U today?
- Do I need to have iTunes in order to use ASU on iTunes U?
- I already have my own podcast, how do I put it on ASU on iTunes U?
- Is my content safe on ASU on iTunes U?
- Does ASU on iTunes U support both Audio and Video Podcasting?
- Can I use ASU on iTunes U to deliver class notes to my students?
- How do I subscribe to podcasts on ASU on iTunes U?
- What kind of Hardware and Software do I need to make a podcast?
- What is an Enhanced Podcast? How can I make my own?
- I want to start podcasting, but I don't have any funding or support, can you help
What is Podcasting?
Podcasting is a simple combination of two things: digital media files such as audio or video that can be downloaded (not streamed) from the Internet, and a simple and easy way for people to automatically download those files.
For more information see: Applied Learning Technologies Institute Podcasting 101
What is iTunes U?
"iTunes U is a free, hosted service for colleges and universities that provides easy access to...educational content, including lectures and interviews 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."
` For more information see: Apple iTunes U
What is ASU on iTunes U?
ASU on iTunes U is a repository and support mechanism for multiple ASU podcasting efforts collected together into a single location. ASU on iTunes U utilizes ASU¹s authentification system and Apple¹s repository of educational podcasts, blended into a unified and cohesive whole.
Do I need an ASURITE ID to use ASU on iTunes U?
ASURITE authetification is required to publish podcast programming on ASU on iTunes U. However, ASU on iTunes U podcasts are freely and publically available for download by anybody on the Internet using iTunes version 6.0 or later and a modern web browser. No ASURITE ID is required to receive ASU on iTunes U podcasting.
Is ASU on iTunes U available for both Windows and Macintosh?
ASU on iTunes U requires iTunes version 6.0 or later for Mac and Windows.
Additionally, ASU on iTunes U works with most modern, standards-compliant web browsers.
- Safari 2.0 or later on Mac
- Firefox 1.5 or later on Windows
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or later on Windows
How much do podcasts at iTunes cost?
Presently, all educational podcast programming available at ASU on iTunes U is free to download and free to publish/upload. There are no plans at this time to charge for any content available on ASU on iTunes U.
What are the benefits of ASU on iTunes U?
ASU on iTunes U enhances individual programming, and helps to generate exposure to individual programs that benefit from being listed as part of a larger synergized collection.
How can I start using ASU on iTunes U today?
If you would like to start podcasting using ASU on iTunes U, please send an email to podcast-q@asu.edu.
We will help you get started with everything need, from suggestions in designing your programs, to selecting equipment, to generating album artwork, and finally to creating your own show on ASU on iTunes U.
Do I need to have iTunes in order to use ASU on iTunes U?
Yes. ASU on iTunes U requires iTunes version 6.0 or later for Mac and Windows. This ensures a consistent user experience.
I already have my own podcast, how do I put it on ASU on iTunes U?
Contact us at podcast-q@asu.edu and we'll help you get your show on ASU on iTunes U.
Is my content safe on ASU on iTunes U?
Podcasting involves downloading of files. Any file which has been downloaded may be easily shared and distributed. Some file formats that are supported by ASU on iTunes U, such as AAC, do provide "Digital Rights Managment" options that offer some level of security. At present no system of copy protection is full-proof.
Does ASU on iTunes U support both Audio and Video Podcasting?
Yes. ASU on iTunes U may be used to distribute a wide variety of compressed audio and video files. Apple recommends using the following formats for your iTunes U audio and video content:
- Audio files (AAC, MP3) with appropriate file extensions (.m4a, .mp3)
- Video files (MPEG-4, H.264) with appropriate file extensions (.mp4, .m4v, .mov).
For best results with iPod, Apple recommends using H.264.
Can I use ASU on iTunes U to deliver class notes to my students?
Yes. In addition to more traditional podcast file types, such as audio and video, you can also use ASU on iTunes U to distribute Portable Document Format (PDF) files.
How do I subscribe to podcasts on ASU on iTunes U?
Subscriptions to podcasts on ASU on iTunes U are not presently available at this time. We anticipate that future releases of the iTunes U software from Apple will address this issue.
What kind of Hardware and Software do I need to make a podcast?
Different kinds of podcasts require different tools to produce. Simple podcasts may be made using exisitng and fairly standard computers combined with free audio recording software. More complicated podcasts that combine recording of multimple sources, such as an instructor or presenter in addition to other sources such audience Q&A and discussion may benefit from multiple microphones, an audio mixer, and perhaps a dedicated digital audio recorder.
For more information see: alt^I Podcast/Audio Recording – Equipment Package Options
What is an Enhanced Podcast? How can I make my own?
The AAC audio file format allows podcasters to create "enhanced podcasts"
which include embedded photos as well as Internet links that can be place at defined points throughout the podcast. These files are only compatible with iTunes and iPods. At the present time, the simplest way to create enhanced podcasts is to use either GarageBand or Podcast Maker, both available only on the Apple platform.
I want to start podcasting, but I don't have any funding or support, can you help?
Podcasting has emerged, as a viable and effective means of developing and distributing engaging programming. We are actively engaged in supporting efforts to promote the use of podcasting that enhances the teaching, learning, and research missions of ASU. Contact us at podcast-q@asu.edu to discuss your specific need.