iTunes U began as a joint project between Apple and six universities. Initially conceived as a private resource for educational institutions to publish lectures and other such materials, the service opened up to public to great success. iTunes U now offers private content areas for course materials and other resources and a public area to host materials from a global community - including dozens of top universities, world class museums and exceptional television and radio broadcasters.
iTunes U offers lots of benefits for the education environment and will continue to offer more and more as it grows. Some of the key advantages today are:
To access iTunes U, you will need to have Apple's free iTunes media player application, downloadable here. (You can read Apple's system requirements for iTunes here.)
With iTunes installed and an internet connection, simply launch the iTunes application and then choose the iTunes Store link on the left. Choose iTunes U from the upper right corner after the iTunes Store loads.
To go straight to Washington College on iTunes U, visit itunesu.washcoll.edu or type "itunesu" into any browser while on campus.
Apple has created a very robust iTunes U and Mobile Learning website with many resources for interested educational staff, students and faculty.