(POMONA, Calif.) – Several California State University campuses, including California Polytechnic State University have decided to adopt iTunes U, a new innovative software that gives students the chance to download pod casts of items such as lectures, class notes, and campus news into their ipods.

The new iTunes U Website, which was announced in June, has been operational throughout this quarter. The iTunes U service was developed and hosted by the Apple Computer, Inc., and enables students to download audio, graphic and video images onto their Macintosh or PC computers, then copy them to their iPods to listen or view anywhere. Students may also upload content to share with professors, or the class.

Of the 23 Cal State University campuses, Fresno State University, California State University at East Bay, San Jose State University, California State University at Dominguez Hills, and Sacramento State University have already adopted iTunes.

According to the Cal Poly pod cast Website, some of the educational benefits for having an iTunes U presence on campus include the availability of supplemental, pre-lecture, or exam preparation materials created by faculty.

“It sounds like a good idea as long as the tests are actually on the lectures. Sometimes teachers will have those “extra” questions on tests what one would only be able to answer if one actually attended the lecture.” said Christopher Aguilar, a second year civil engineering student. “I believe this would be the equivalence of taking an online course.”

Cal Poly faculty sees many benefits to podcast learning. “There are, as I see it, two benefits to podcasting one’s lectures, said History professor Chris Bates. “First, it provides students who have trouble taking good notes with a backup that they can double-check against. Second, it allows students who simply could not attend class for some reason-illness, family issues, whatever-to make up for missed work.”

Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Tomas Morales feels that Cal Poly should provide course content in a number of different ways and will be a good tool to lead the campus into the future.

“This will be a good example of learning centeredness at Cal Poly,” said Morales. “I think it will be a wonderful opportunity to enhance learning and provide a different medium in which students can play it back on their computers or other mobile devices.”