iTunes FAQ

Will I have to pay to access BSC on iTunes U?

No. You may freely preview and download all of the content from BSC on iTunes U.

How do I access BSC on iTunes U?

First, make sure you have the most current version of iTunes installed on your Mac or PC computer. To download the application, visit to www.apple.com/itunes. Also make sure that you are running the most current update of your system software.

Is BSC’s content part of the iTunes Store?

No.  BSC ’s iTunes U content is currently not searchable from the iTunes Store.  However, once we’ve reached a sufficient amount of content within our iTunes U site, you will be able to use the iTunes Store Search feature and access BSC content directly in the iTunes Store. In the meantime, you’ll need to access BSC’s content via the provided direct link.

Is the BSC on iTunes U content under copyright protection?

While we do not implement any digital rights management (DRM) for BSC on iTunes U content, we do use BSC copyright releases to protect each piece of content on the site.

What are podcasts?

“Podcasting” refers to a push-pull delivery technology (namely RSS feeds) for downloading digital media files. At this time, BSC on iTunes U does not offer separate podcast feeds, and our files can only be downloaded directly from the iTunes Store. However, you may subscribe to a course feed from within the iTunes application.

Where in iTunes is the content I downloaded from BSC on iTunes U?

Currently, users may access BSC content in the iTunes Store via direct download and progressive download previews. Content downloaded from BSC on iTunes U appears in a smart playlist called “Bismarck State College” in the playlists section of the iTunes application.

Do I have to use iTunes and Apple products to have access?

Currently, you must use the iTunes application to download content. Apple offers a free Mac and Windows version of iTunes at http://www.apple.com/itunes.

You do not need a Macintosh, iTunes, or an iPod to play the files on your computer. All you will need is a player capable of playing .mp4 AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) files. (AAC is not exclusively Apple’s, although Apple prefers it to alternative file formats.)

You will need to use iTunes to sync files to an iPod/iPhone.

How did iTunes U come about?

iTunes U grew out of a pilot project between Apple and Stanford University, beginning in the spring of 2004, to deliver supplemental course content to registered students using iTunes. It was soon realized that the same platform would be an elegant and cost-effective way to deliver content to alumni and the public as well.

The project has proven to be a great fit between colleges & universities and Apple. Apple provides us with an intuitive and broad-scale method for distribution, as well as the storage and bandwidth for our content - for free.

Why did BSC choose to implement AAC encoding?

AAC has better sound quality and smaller file sizes than .mp3. You may use either iTunes or Quicktime for Windows to play .mp4 AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) files in addition to a number of other open source and shareware players that can be downloaded from the web. In addition, there are a growing number of portable devices that can play AAC files.

Can I use other .mp3 players with iTunes?

There is moderate support in iTunes for some third-party .mp3 players, but they will not be able to play .mp4 AAC files (including content purchased from the iTunes Store.) Apple offers a full line of iPod products and accessories which will give you the best digital experience. Otherwise, you may enjoy our content on a computer or a CD, or you may convert the AAC files.

To re-encode the AAC (.mp4) files into the .mp3 format, download the content first into your iTunes application. Second, in the iTunes preferences, click on the “Advanced” icon and navigate to the “Importing” tab. Next, select “MP3 Encoder” in the “import using” menu. Finally, highlight the file(s) that you wish to convert, go to the Advanced menu, and click on “Convert Selection to .mp3.”

I am interested in contributing content; whom should I contact?

Please contact Scott Helphrey, BSC’s Instructional Technologist/Designer @ 701-224-5791.