iBooks 2 (simply update if you've already downloaded this app) is now available from the App Store with textbooks (+ samples) priced at $14.99 or less. These text books are formatted as an "end use" license redeemed by individual students (i.e. "consumable" like a workbook) not "shared use" license. This means that the student "owns" the book, not the educational institution. Publishers may release Teacher Editions with additional resources separately; the editions will, again, need to be purchased separately.
Books are full color with embedded videos, interactive graphics, embedded manipulatives (i.e. slideshows), in-line dictionary, audio-feature (the book will read to you), note-taking, highlighting, and additional studying features (i.e. flashcards). Currently, the only textbooks coming to the store are for high students because of Apple's age restrictions at the iTunes Store (+13 years old). Most textbooks at iTunes U are at least 2G, which means the device needed for students will need to be at least 16G (roughly $600).
Teachers can "publish" these resources through the iTunes Bookstore (after licensing agreement signed) or the ebooks can be distributed separately without going through Apple.
iTunes U app is now available for school-districts. Districts that sign-up can post content available to students, including online courses. Students can subscribe to courses and get materials, including materials, PDFs, and documents to download, as well as take notes on available content.
