iTunes U doesn't stream in poor reception

[Fontane]

I am trying to use iTunes U to listen to lectures. I downloaded the lectures I want but when I'm in a poor reception area (such as underground on the subway), the app will not play any of my downloaded lectures. If I am in a good reception area, the app will load the lecture and keep playing it through poor reception areas.

What am I missing?

Also, if I leave iTunes U open in the background, my phone loses about 30% more battery during my eight hour workday. I wish this app worked better on my phone. In theory, it's useful.

 

[Jessica Lares]

Are you sure you actually downloaded them? They're just plain video and audio files for the most part, don't see why they'd have to stream if they're locally stored...