Apple Amps Up Educational Software

The newest additions to Apple’s iTunes U platform could inspire more teachers and students to use iPads in the classroom.

One of the biggest software changes allows students to hand in homework through their mobile tablets, Recode reported. Professors will be able to see when their students turn in papers and other work with a timestamp, and they will also be notified through a grade book when they can start reviewing students’ work.

Content such as apps, videos, and websites can also be added to the course to engage students. In addition, push notifications can be sent to students if course work changes.

The upgrades to iTunes U will make it easier for professors to create and manage courses through the application, and students will be able to download materials whenever they have Wi-Fi, according to Apple.

Previously, iTunes U had primarily been used for university video lectures, but Apple has been expanding its offerings since 2007, Recode reported.

Currently, there are about 15 million iPads in schools and more than 100,000 educational apps, according to Recode.