Duke on iTunes

©Marianna Day Massey/ZUMA/Corbis

Internet users around the world can now download, for free, lectures, music, news segments, and other materials from Duke via the "Duke on iTunes U" site.

Examples of material on the site include an address by former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young on Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, reflections on leadership by Duke men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, short news videos on the latest scientific findings at Duke, and jazz-classical music by student band The Pulsar Triyo.

"Conversations and creative work are an important part of the vibrant intellectual life here on campus, and that's what you're seeing on this site," says Provost Peter Lange. "Making these materials public in a format that's convenient for curious but busy people is a way for Duke to put the knowledge generated here in service to a wider audience."

Apple collaborated with Duke and fifteen other universities on its iTunes U site, launched in May as a part of its larger iTunes store. Duke and the other universities are providing audio and video recordings of speeches, performances, research updates, student-produced movies, and more.

Visitors to the Duke site use Apple's iTunes software to find material either by browsing by topic or searching with keywords. Audio and video files downloaded from the site can be played on the user's computer or transferred to an iPod or other compatible digital player.

Sterly Wilder '83, executive director of alumni affairs at Duke, says the site can be a helpful resource for alumni and others who want to continue learning at a university level after leaving college. "When you're a student, there are only so many courses you can take and talks you can attend. This site lets you listen to lectures and keep up with the latest research findings long after you graduate."