In an age where technology is moving faster than Usain Bolt off of the starting line, you can’t help but wonder where it will end. From chalkboards to interactive digital whiteboards, from textbooks and pencils to tablet computers and iBooks, the world of education is constantly evolving to take advantage of the digital revolution. Online universities and materials downloaded straight to your mobile phone seem to be the beginning.

Currently more than two-thirds of higher education institutions in the US offer online or part-online courses, including the prestigious Yale University. Meanwhile, other world-renowned universities such as Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley have begun an open source project, OER Commons where they provide free materials to their students.

The UK isn’t far behind with the Open University, an open access university where students can enrol and study from home. 263,000 students from 23 countries are enrolled making the OU an international pioneer of online degree courses.

Apple’s iTunes U download service is now being embraced by lecturers and universities worldwide. This means that students can now access materials and resources for their course and download them straight to their phone or computer. The Open Universities materials now makes up roughly 10% of iTunes U downloads, with an astonishing 31 million downloads to date.

There are a number of digital resources now readily available to students, including high-quality podcasts and televisual material which can be accessed on YouTube. Textbooks can now be downloaded and accessed at the press of a button containing interactive illustrations and select and search facilities.

So how will this affect the future of education? Well, surely it would mean that studying at Harvard may not mean relocating to the US? Long walks back from the library laden down with countless textbooks will be a thing of the past. And the highlighter pen will surely meet it’s untimely demise.

How have 21st century technological innovations changed the way you access educational resources? Do you think online learning is a positive step for higher education, or do you think the personal touch is more important? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

A series of educational podcasts made by media experts at Birmingham City University has been given a global showcase on iTunes.

The ‘Interactive Cultures’ series of audio podcasts has been posted on iTunes U homepage and sits alongside items from the University of Oxford and The Open University.

Birmingham City University’s work, which includes features on contemporary cultural experiences in Birmingham as well as the city’s social and musical history has been selected by experts at Apple computers who scan the iTunes U content for podcasts that have relevance to a worldwide audience.

‘Interactive Cultures‘ brings together senior academics from the Birmingham School of Media involved in projects looking at how communities are created through social media.

“I am delighted that our staff are being recognised in the global arena for their leadership in understanding the changes that new and emerging media platforms are having on creative communities,” said Philip Thickett, Head of the Birmingham School of Media.

This success came just over a week after Birmingham City University launched its presence on iTunes U.

To find Birmingham City University on iTunes U, visit: itunes.bcu.ac.uk