In February 2010, HEC Paris launched its profile on iTunes University (iTunes U), making it the first business school in France to share its knowledge for free using Apple’s iTunes platform. With this move, HEC Paris joined leading educational institutions like Stanford, Oxford and MIT, which were selected to pioneer the use of iTunes U as a platform for knowledge sharing based on their pedagogical expertise and excellence.

Extending the classroom experience

HEC Paris on iTunes U is designed to enhance—rather than replace—classroom courses. As HEC Paris Director of Communications Delphine Loevenbruck points out, “The classroom experience at HEC Paris is truly unique. It’s a dynamic environment that fosters exchange between students and professors, and among class participants themselves. iTunes U is designed to build on, rather than substitute for, this experience.”

HEC Paris on iTunes U provides a forum for classroom discussion to continue long after the bell has rung. It’s a chance for participants to use the issues and ideas introduced by their professors as a springboard for sharing knowledge, experiences and insights. The advantage of the iTunes platform is that there is no need to have Internet access; students can view content downloaded from iTunes U anywhere, on their computer, iPhone or iPod.

The challenge of capturing HEC Paris online

The courses currently available through iTunes U are primarily lecture-based and science-oriented; however, HEC Paris wanted to position itself differently. “Some institutions rely heavily on lecture-based teaching, but we offer a highly interactive approach to learning,” explains Vanessa Klein, HEC Paris’ Project Manager for iTunes U. “This made the adaptation of courses for online presentation a particularly challenging process.”

This process required close collaboration between HEC Paris faculty, staff and technical and audiovisual teams. Students were also involved in recording courses, illustrating the global nature of this community-wide initiative.

A showcase for innovation

In addition to presenting course material, HEC Paris on iTunes U makes a wide range of material available to the public, including information on programs, conferences and research into key issues such as social business and corporate social responsibility. In this way, iTunes U will help improve HEC Paris’ international visibility and showcase its cutting-edge research and unique teaching style to potential participants, faculty and partners around the world.

To access HEC Paris on iTunes U, visit http://itunes.hec.edu or click on the “iTunes U” tab on the iTunes interface for a list of all participating institutions.