Adding PDF files to iTunes U

Question

Adding PDF files to iTunes U

We have an extensive library of PDF files in directories on our web page. We would like to be able to point our iTunes U account (just started building it, not public yet) to these PDF files.

I've successfully pointed iTunes U to our feed of videos. Now I want to have the corresponding PDF files. I can't figure a way to do it. Any How-To's would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Quad Core Pro Intel, Mac OS X (10.6.4), ATI Radeon 9000 Pro

Posted on Jul 26, 2010 9:26 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 26, 2010 1:55 PM in response to Steve Meredith

Steve;
We have a similar situation in Tennessee. Are your PDF's grouped together by topic, course, etc.? If so, you can add a URL link to the particular page that lists your PDF's. Let me know if this addresses your situation. All the best...
SR

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Answer 2

Jul 26, 2010 2:53 PM in response to Syd Rodocker

Right now they are grouped by subject. For instance, Indian Education/HighSchool/. The HighSchool directory contains several PDF files with various titles, etc.

If I understand correctly I simply point to the directory listing? For example, http://opi.mt.gov/pdf/IndianEd/Curric/Grade1/ ?

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Answer 3

Jul 26, 2010 3:00 PM in response to Steve Meredith

Nope, that won't do it. iTunes U wants a "feed" link. The "Smart" option just seems to be a filter for content uploaded to iTunes. But I don't even know how to upload!

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Answer 4

Jul 27, 2010 7:24 AM in response to Steve Meredith

I know I can add my directory listing in the "Links" area but I found that people won't go there. I need to put the PDFs in the Content area under a "Tab."

How is this accomplished? I can do video feeds just fine, how do I do PDF directories, how do you get a PDF up?

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Answer 5

Jul 29, 2010 9:27 AM in response to Steve Meredith

All I want is to be able to have our PDF's show up in the content area of X.

This is an example iTunes content area from Virginia, http://deimos3.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Browse/vdoe.brpbs.org.1899420946.01 899420948

They have a mix of Video and PDF. How does one get the PDF files up!
Seems like it should be simple but no replies tell me that it ain't! 🙂
Certainly not in the admin manual!

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Answer 6

Jul 29, 2010 1:35 PM in response to Steve Meredith

Steve;
Sorry I haven't replied to your posts for a few days. I've been "knee deep" in the new Site Manager revisions. I'm liking it so far, but so of the "Description" data doesn't translate from the old environment to the new, so I'm having to do a little "copy & paste".
We have pages on iTunes U that contain both audio/video materials and PDF files (see attached link). Is this what you're wanting to accomplish? If so, you can create a new "Collections" page and upload your PDF's to that new Collection.
If I'm missing something in what you're wanting to accomplish, let me know.
Here's the link:

http://deimos3.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Browse/tbr.k12.edu.1686376276.01686 376279

Regards, Syd Rodocker

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Answer 7

Jul 29, 2010 2:55 PM in response to Syd Rodocker

Yes that's what we are trying to achieve!

If I have to physically upload them to Apple, that'll be OK, what ever gets the job done.

I was thinking we can simply point to them (PDFs) as feed. I'm able to feed our videos just fine but unsure on the XML of PDF....

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Answer 8

Jul 29, 2010 3:41 PM in response to Steve Meredith

To add a PDF to a collection that is RSS feed based, you would add the PDF as an item within the RSS feed and include type="application/pdf" to the item enclosure.

Example
<item>
...
<itunesu:category itunesu:code="100100" />
<enclosure url="http://example.com/podcasts/myeconomics101, transcript1.pdf" type="application/pdf" />
...
</item>

For more information on crafting RSS feeds for iTunes U you can also review the following resources

iTunes Podcast - Making a Podcast - http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/specs.html

iTunes U Administration Guide - Creating an iTunes U Specific RSS Feed - http://deimos.apple.com/rsrc/doc//iTunesUAdministrationGuide/AddingContent/chapt er12_section_3.html#//appleref/doc/uid/AdminGuide-CH22-SW6

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Answer 9

Jul 30, 2010 7:57 AM in response to Aiden Tozer

Thank you to all who posted! Now I better understand how I can populate my iTunes U site with PDF files!
Was able to get one on the site! Whoooo Hoooo!

http://deimos.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Browse/mt.gov.3518776541

Off we go populating!

Message was edited by: Steve Meredith

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