Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Birmingham City University?
  • Birmingham City University is a large, multi-cultural university with 23,000 students which is committed to continual improvement, and offers an innovative and practical approach to teaching. This forward thinking attitude has led to the University producing its own iTunes U area; the latest initiative from Apple that allows anyone in the world to download podcasts produced by academic institutions through iTunes.
  • What is a podcast?
  • A podcast is an audio track (such as a radio show) or video that can be downloaded and listened to or watched on a computer or mp3 player. Here's a quick jargon-free explanation of what podcasts are. They are usually presented as a series of episodes that can be subscribed to via an RSS feed.
  • What is iTunes U?
  • iTunes U is the latest addition to Apple's popular media software iTunes (which can be downloaded from http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/). It can be found by selecting 'iTunes U' from the 'iTunes STORE' box on the left-hand side of the iTunes Store homepage.

iTunes U offers anyone with Internet access the ability to download audio and video podcasts produced by universities and colleges for free from around the world. This has the benefit of both broadening educational access and acting as a great recruitment tool for universities. A quick video explanation of iTunes U can be found at http://www.apple.com/education/guidedtours/itunesu.html.

  • Where does Birmingham City University fit in?
  • Birmingham City University has collected a wealth of audio and video material from across the University that can now be accessed via iTunes U and through http://www.bcu.ac.uk/podcasts.

We are continuing to collect and film material, so please check the Contribute page for further details on how to do so.

  • Does it replace internal sharing systems such as Moodle?
  • No, at present Birmingham City University's iTunes U area is public-facing and accessible to people both inside and outside the University. As such, potential podcasts should ideally be relevant to those outside the University (for instance, a highly specific talk about a hall of residence would not be suitable).

However, once a podcast has been uploaded to iTunes U, the direct link to the podcast can be copied (and, for example, pasted into a Moodle page) by right-clicking on the file and selecting 'Copy iTunes Store URL'.

  • What type of content are we after/how do I submit or arrange filming of a podcast?
  • We can be quite flexible, so here are some ideas for podcasts:
  1. Recorded lectures
  2. Student/staff work
  3. Interviews or discussions with academics
  4. Events
  5. Screencasts

Please read the Contribute page for more information.

  • What if I have an idea for new podcasts?
  • There is a small budget to cover the production costs of Screen Media Lab's video team creating new podcasts, however, due to its limitations; we cannot guarantee to develop all proposals into podcast material. Podcasts will be created based on suitability for the iTunes U medium (e.g. stand-alone promotional videos aren't well suited to it), and the practicality of creating them.
  • How is copyright/intellectual property affected?
  • All material contained within podcasts must be out of copyright or cleared for use by the copyright owner (including music). If in doubt, please refer to any possible contravention within the podcast submission form.

If you have any further questions, please contact david.luke.allen@bcu.ac.uk.