User generated learning

Young people more than ever are now becoming the creators as well as the consumers of online content. Websites such as MySpace, Face Book, YouTube and Flickr cater for users hungry to create, collaborate, share and interact with each other online.

The notion of learners as the co-creators of content is not new but now the tools and hardware exist which allow this to happen relatively easily online. Combined with a broadband always on presence have made what is known as Web 2.0 happen.

Cimex has been at the forefront of this new revolution harnessing these ideas to deliver new ways of learning. We create tools which allow learners to become authors and the environments for them to share and work together. In addition we create learning opportunities which tap into existing social networks.

Examples include the World of Learning award winning Computer Clubs for Girls since 2004 when Cimex developed the first Pilot the focus has been on encouraging learners to become producers whether it is editing digital video, creating a fanzine or writing their own HTML. More recently our work on BBC Jam Physical Education resource involved the development of tools which allow learners to author and share their own dance or gym moves and to develop their own playground games which can be shared and adapted by other users.