Briefly: iTunes U support, first Netherlands Apple Store

iTunes U support page

Apple on Monday opened the digital doors to its iTunes U support page, giving educators and students access to information about the company's recently-retooled educational suite.

The section is not yet as robust as other Apple support pages, but the information provided gives a somewhat brief overview of the program's various apps, publishing and course management tools. Support sections include a "Welcome" page, "Using iTunes U," "iTunes Course Manager" and iTunes U Public Site Manager."

In addition to the Apple-provided information, forums have also been created for both students and instructors to facilitate a support community.

iTunes U was announced in a Jan. 19 Apple event and has expanded from a selection of podcasts in the iTunes Music Store to a new way for schools to create and disseminate information. The revamped system has an iOS app that handles class materials, a syllabus and even teachers' schedules.

Apple is looking to tie iBooks 2, also announced at the recent event, into iTunes U to create a one-stop-shop ecosystem where students can sign up for courses, buy and manage materials and connect with teachers.

First Dutch Apple Store

Thanks to blustery Netherlands weather, a tarp covering the entryway of what is to be the country's first Apple Store was blown away(machine translation) on Sunday, giving the public a sneak peek of the outlet that is scheduled to open in February, reports Dutch language Apple blog iPhoneclub.

The Leidseplein Square location in Amsterdam will apparently sport a spiral glass staircase leading up to the store's second floor, which is covered by a glass pyramid as in Apple outlet in the Louvre.

The blog also claims that it has received reports from the building's cleaning company that employees are being trained for a a mid-February opening, however the rumors are unconfirmed.