This is not news since I just stumbled on this, and it turns out that this has been going on this whole year: the Flickr Commons. It’s a way to obtain references or use of images that have no copyright restrictions or at least been put into the public domain. This is an example of one from the WWII era (a period I’m really starting to enjoy learning about).

My initial reactions: it is mostly an advertisement for the product in use. With that in mind, let’s just say that it is worth the investment for the sake of investigation. To me it appears that this activity is innovative and a good use of the technology. It seems ahead of its time before anyone has done a formal study on it.What could be done with this in order to prove its effectiveness in learning material other than learning to use the tool itself?

They are presenting a contest to all videographers (those in school or independent) who can make a 30-second PSA about cyber-bullying.

If only I had the time, I’d like to enter because there is a lineup of great prizes for first place. (Maybe there is still time)

In either case (time or no time), cyber-bullying is a problem that can and will exist as long as people psychologically feel “safe” behind a computer screen, and can justify threatening or otherwise defaming people that they would otherwise not do in person.

This is something we should become aware of in educational environments where students and learners are entitled to feel safe and encouraged to learn.

Has anyone had issues or experience with this?

[MEDIA=1]

[flashvideo width="320" height="240" filename="videos/video.flv" /]

Adobe announced early last week that they are extending new capabilities into their acquired Flash technology:

Adobe Extends Web Video Leadership with H.264 Support

Basically what this means is that traditionally fat-client-like video technology is coming to the desktop via a primarily thin-client channel. For a discussion or definition of fat vs. thin video client technology, please see my article on CTLPedia

Adobe’s official Labs page describes it here: http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/flashplayer9/

A very thorough techie discussion about what this does in terms of this upcoming video technology available to users of the web is posted here: http://www.kaourantin.net/2007/08/what-just-happened-to-video-on-web_20.html

My takes, and its implications on what will happen to online education?

• In terms of a video technology that will give us a great out of the box experience and just work, if it catches on and doesn’t succumb to the competition by not restricting it to a proprietary platform, it has the potential to be a ubiquitous media platform for the web. If this is the case, learners will become unaware of the technology and just use it without worrying about configuring their computer.
• Educational media producers could potentially target both HD television displays AND the web at the same time using similar production workflows. Especially with the advent of services like YouTube and AppleTV becoming integrated.