Apple has expanded its iTunes U service that allows teachers and lecturers in the US to post video and audio educational content online.

The service is based on the successful iTunes Music Store, enabling students to download up to 5,000 lessons and sets of class notes - just as they would do with music tracks in their free time.

The hosted system lets colleges and schools share their material with students and the public at large, and students can upload their own content too.

Stanford is one such school that has been using Apple’s system, and told iLounge that one of its aims is to educate the general public as well. It is therefore providing free online access to everyone.

Other schools that have entered into iTunes U partnerships with Apple in the last couple of months include Duke University and the University of Michigan.

When using the service, lessons can either be downloaded to the students’ PCs or Apple Macs, or can be stored on an iPod for revision “on the go”.

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