Texas A&M has become the first public university in its state to introduce the iTunes U service for students.
A free hosted programme, the scheme allows students to gain access to educational content relevant to their courses via their iPods and teaches professors how to convert their lectures into podcasts.
Diane McDonald, associate director for marketing and communications at the university, told the Battalion: "It's a great tool for reaching students that enables them to have course material and other information on the go for the mobile community."
Ryan Gosewehr, a senior communication major, added that listening to audiobooks and lectures on an iPod is an improvement to conventional reading.
A survey at Duke University showed that 75 per cent of first-year students use their iPods for academic work, with professors stating that they seem more engaged in classes when iPods are permitted.
Meanwhile, a children's book podcast has been set up to advise parents on a selection of titles.
The podcast, entitled Childrensbookradio.com, is hosted by Sabrina Weissler, a mother of twins.
© 2006 Adfero Ltd
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