Using Flickr

Experiences on using Flickr.

Thankfully that was not too painful. I uploaded four or five photos of my own, pleased that I could limit access by ticking the 'private use' type button. Then searched through Flickr images to find some more gingerbread men that were freely available and copied the URL,pasted it in the blog 'upload images' and ......too easy. Well nearly. I keep getting an error message, so have decided to publish the post after cutting and pasting the picture from Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/45039959@N03/4137257306/
In a Home Ec/Hospitality context, Flickr most definitely would be a useful tool as assessment requires that photographic evidence supports the assessment. Uploading and storing a students work on-line with privacy constraints adhered to provides a secure and permanent record of work. With a student's permission these photos could be used to encourage and inform new students. Embedding FLickr images into student blogs would provide interest and allow for collaborative learning through discussion forum.

Engagement theory (Kearsley and Shneiderman 1998), can be supported with this tool in the Hospitality area by students uploading photographs of stages of their cookery and "donating" both the process and final outcome back to the community of learners.

"The theory posits three primary means to accomplish engagement: (1) an emphasis on collaborative efforts (2) project-based assignments, and (3) non-academic focus. It is suggested that these three methods result in learning that is creative, meaningful, and authentic".(Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1999)

Hospitality is a practical subject area where collaborative efforts and non-academic focus is apparent. Using e-learning tools to enhance learning broadens the perspective of the subject and allows for students to problem solve not just for themselves but for the whole hospitality community.

Overall, a great experience.
ENJOY!!
References:

Kearsley, G., & Shneiderman, B. (1999, April 5). Engagement Theory:A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved December 1, 2009, from http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm