Apple is bringing new tools to iTunes U to enable educators and students to build and experience education content on the iPad.

For the first time, teachers can create, edit and manage entire courses on the iPad. Students will have new options for collaborating using their iPad, including being able to initiate class discussions and ask questions.

“Education is at the core of Apple’s DNA and iTunes U is an incredibly valuable resource for teachers and students,” Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, says.

“iTunes U features an amazing selection of academic materials for everyone around the world. Now, with the ability to better manage and discuss educational content, learning becomes even more personalised on iPad.”

The new in-app updates, which will be available from 8 July, give teachers full course creation capabilities on the iPad. They are able to add content and learning materials from any of the 75, 000 education apps available for the iPad, or from iWork, iBooks and Author.

Content will also take on more relevance, as teachers use the iPad camera to capture photos and videos to incorporate real-world subject matter into their course material.

“iTunes U is the most powerful destination for bringing the entire educational experience to life on iPad,” Fraser Speirs, head of computing and IT at Cedars School of Excellence in Scotland, says.

“By freeing teachers to create and organise courses right on the iPad, educators can be better focused on enabling student participation both with the content and one another.”

Collaborating with classmates and teachers is now even easier for students. Those enrolled in private iTunes U courses can automatically follow classroom discussions, participate in new topic conversations and set up push notifications through Discussions within the iTunes U app.

Teachers are also able to participate in discussions, with the ability to moderate comments if necessary.

“Discussions in iTunes U puts the potential for thoughtful exploration and collaboration into the hands of every one of our students,” Larry Reiff, a teacher from Roslyn High School in New York, says.

“iPad and iTunes U continue to provide students with the tools they need to build knowledge and demonstrate their learning.”