Apple Updates iTunes U With Discussions, Homework Hand-in and a Grade Book

iTunesU

Apple's iTunes U app now includes a number of new features designed to help teacher and students communicate.

A new discussion feature allows students and teachers to have 1-to-1 conversations within the app.

Homework hand-in provides time-stamped delivery of term papers, book reports and problem sets. Once assignments have been turned in, teachers can use PDF annotation to mark them up with comments. 

Educators can now import teaching materials and student work directly to iTunes U from educational apps including Apple’s own Keynote, Pages and iMovie, as well as third-party apps like Explain Everything, Stop Motion Studio, Book Creator and more.

An integrated grade book lets teachers know when a student’s work is complete and ready for review, or when it’s time to send a reminder via push notification.

About the Author

Christopher Piehler is the former editor-in-chief of THE Journal.

Featured

  • Complete College America Launches Center to Boost Data-Driven Student Success Strategies

    National nonprofit Complete College America (CCA) recently launched the Center for Leadership, Institutional Metrics, and Best Practices (CLIMB), with the goal of helping higher education institutions use data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes.

  • teacher

    6 Policy Recommendations for Incorporating AI in the Classroom

    The Southern Regional Education Board's Commission on AI in Education has published six recommendations for states on adopting artificial intelligence in schools, colleges, and universities. The guidance marks the commission's first release since it was established last February, with more recommendations planned in the coming year.

  • computer screen displaying a landline phone being unplugged from a single cord, with a modern office desk, keyboard, and subtle lighting in the background

    Microsoft to Discontinue Skype Services

    Microsoft has announced that it is shutting down service for its Skype telecommunications and video calling services on May 5, 2025.

  • Two figures, one male and one female, stand beside a transparent digital interface displaying AI symbols like neural networks, code, and a shield, against a clean blue gradient background.

    Report Makes Business Case for Responsible AI

    A new report commissioned by Microsoft and published last month by research firm IDC notes that 91% of organizations use AI tech and expect more than a 24% improvement in customer experience, business resilience, sustainability, and operational efficiency due to AI in 2024.