Apple plans to 'reinvent the curriculum' with iTunes U overhaul

Apple announced plans to overhaul its iTunes U service at its education-based event in New York City's Guggenheim Museum today.

The tech giant revealed ambitions to help "reinvent the curriculum" with the redesigned education platform, which will provide teachers will the tools to create online courses instead of just videos or lectures.

Apple's SVP of internet software and services Eddy Cue announced that courses will be available on an in-app bookshelf, though educators can add their own information, such as syllabus, office hours, topics of classes, notes and posted assignments.

Students can view assignments, and will automatically be taken to the relevant chapter in an e-book. They can also view educational media, such as videos, audio feeds and PDF documents on an iPad or iPhone. Pupils can rate courses on the iTunes U store and leave feedback for teachers.



iTunes U is focused on higher education learning, unlike the iBooks 2 textbooks service that Apple also announced at the Guggenheim event. However, it will include some support for primary and secondary school educators.

The new iTunes U is now available to download for free in 123 countries.