Google Docs and iTunes U

In the upcoming 2.7 CLE release, you’ll find some handy new options for accessing and managing content. This release integrates the CLE with two popular services—Google Docs and iTunes U from Apple.

Google Docs  
Developed by rSmart for the CLE, the Google Docs integration lets you link to your Google documents from within the Resources tool. When you click on the “Add” dropdown menu for a folder in Resources, you’ll see “Link to Google Document.”
   
Selecting this option will take you to your Google accounts page, so you can grant access to your account. Once you do, the CLE will display all your Google Docs folders and documents. You may then select any document to which you want to create the link—and customize the link in several ways:

• Rename the link.
• Select the file format in which the document will be made available through the link—such as .doc, .pdf, .html,  or .png.
• Provide a description for the link, as well as a copyright warning.
• Determine when the CLE displays the link to other users.

In Resources, the CLE displays the document link in the same way as a web link. The “Actions” dropdown menu lets you copy or remove the link, create a duplicate, and edit its properties. You can also choose to edit the document in Google Docs.

iTunes U   
iTunes U integration has been contributed by Sakai community members. They’ve created an “iTunes U” tool that will be available in all course sites. Selecting the tool in a site opens the iTunes application on your computer, giving you access to your institution’s iTunes U account and the content for that site.
   
The CLE provides iTunes U with all necessary user information, including appropriate permissions, so users in the CLE won’t need to log into an iTunes U account. Instructors can easily manage their digital media and other course content, while students can quickly access all the content that is available for a site.  
   
Keep in mind that you’ll need a Google Docs account for the CLE to access Google documents. The iTunes U tool will require an iTunes U account at your institution, and you will also need the iTunes application installed on your computer. 
   
These two enhancements are just a few of the many improvements in the 2.7 CLE release. Look for more information about the release in the next issue of our Smart Talk newsletter.