Module 4

Let's Get the Flickr Party Started!
I am familiar with the Flickr website and have enjoyed using it both personally and at work with my students in the past. However, I have only used Flickr to search for photos which have been uploaded and publically shared on the website. This module introduced me to the other uses of Flickr, including:

• uploading your own photos onto the website,


• sharing your photos with others (either with the general public (everyone) or privately with selected people or groups (e.g. family and friends)


• creating a range of items using your photos, e.g. cards, calendars, photo books, canvases
  

I took the Flickr Tour to discover more about how to do the above, and then had a go at uploading and sharing my photos. I also had a look at the other fun and creative things you can do with your photos.

Within the classroom, students could be invited to view a range of school related photos, e.g. of a school assembly, excursion, classroom activity, work sample/artwork. Students could also upload and share their own photos, provided that the content is appropriate and that they have permission of people in the photo (if any) to upload the particular photo(s). To begin with at least, it may be best for students to only share their photos privately with other students or teachers. If students do not have a Flickr account set up, there is the possibility of using a guest pass to access and view uploaded photos.

An Important Note About Copyright

The Flickr website may contain photos and images that are copyright (C). Flickr states that it respects the intellectual property of others and asks users of the website to do the same. In order to use copyright items, you need to obtain permission first.

What are Creative Commons?

Creative Commons is a non-profit organisation that aims to make it easier for people to share and build upon the work of others, in line with copyright legislation. Creative Commons (CC) are items, e.g. photos, songs, where permission for use has already been granted. However, some CCs have certain restrictions, e.g. if used you must include the author's name. Please check restrictions attached to the CC licence before using it.

The following website allows you to search for Creative Commons:

http://www.searchcreativecommons.org/

Some other websites containing Creative Commons are:

www.geograph.org.uk/ (images)

http://openphoto.net/ (images)

http://www.freeplaymusic.com/ (music/sounds)

http://www.ccmixter.org/ (music/sounds)

http://www.opsound.com/ (music/sounds)

http://www.magnatune.com/ (music/sounds)

By the way, for breakfast today, I decided to whip up some fruitspelt sourdough, along with fresh strawberries, and a dried fruit and nut mix.