WVU offers info on iTunes U

When you navigate to the MIX home page, you probably go straight for services like e-mail, important links and personal reminders.

But if you scroll down, you might find another handy tool to be included in that list: West Virginia University on iTunes U.

Listed under the "Social Media" tab is a link an informational site about WVU on iTunes U.

The site features a quick-start guide on how to set up the program on your iTunes, a list of frequently asked questions, a contribution form for those looking to share information using iTunes U and contact information for help with using the program.

The setup process is simple, and once the program is loaded, it features a variety of potentially useful downloads, including informational podcasts, audio and videos.

But do students use it?

Boya Xu, a graduate student studying journalism, said she used the podcasts to learn more about the school before transferring here from China. Xu said she "accidentally encountered" the iTunes U page while searching for information on the University.

"Although the faculty and students were all being really friendly and helpful before I came here, it's still kind of exciting that you can find anything related to the University online by yourself," she said.

"Videos are especially good because they are so alive and just give you a vivid description of the school that makes you feel you are almost there."

Jared Crawford, a junior studying computer and electrical engineering, said he finds iTunes U useful even though he has never visited WVU's page. Crawford used information he learned from iTunes U tutorials to develop iPhone applications, including the iWVU app.

Despite being easily accessible for a number of the University's students, many do not use or even know about the program.

Anna Taylor, a junior secondary education and mathematics major, said she has heard of the program but doesn't utilize it because she doesn't have iTunes.

"If I did (have to use it), it would be a hassle for me to download it to get to the program, as my computer does not handle iTunes very well," she said.

Michael Sheldon is a graduate student studying secondary education who is also unable to use the program because of a lack of iTunes. While he can't use the program, he feels he can find the information elsewhere.

Sheldon said he usually uses Web sites like YouTube, ESPN or general news sites as opposed to podcasts.

Many students who regularly use iTunes just don't feel the information is necessary.

Trevor Saas is a junior civil and environmental engineering major and an iTunes user who simply never felt a need to explore WVU on iTunes U.

"There wasn't much of a push to use the resource, so I didn't bother to go out of my way to explore the outlet," he said. "Who knows? It may be worthwhile, but then again, it could be a major letdown."

Even Xu, who continues to use WVU on iTunes U, believes the program is vastly unknown on campus. She hopes that someday soon students will explore the benefits of having information available for download.

"Not so many people know about this feature, and I found it because I had always been a Web digger," she said. "When I introduced this service to many other friends, they all looked surprised, but they agreed it's an amazing resource. It deserves more attention."