The Open University’s Portfolio Of Web 2.0 Services

I’ve commented recently on the Open University’s use of Facebook (they have more ‘fans’ than any other university).

And it seems the Open University is proactive in making corporate use of several other Web 2.0 services.

As can be seen from the accompanying screen shot the Open University are making use of iTunes University, YouTube and Twitter

Their use page describes how they are using these services – and encourages interested parties to make use of this content.

The Open University describes how it is the first UK university to have a dedicated page on YouTube, and they have stated that they’ll be making available a much greater range of their video materials available on the service.

And I wonder if they’re also the first UK university to have an official Twitter account?

I don’t think, though, that they’re the first to make use their institutional podcasts available on iTunes – indeed, as I posted about recently, the University of Bath won a European award for the quality of its podcasts, which are available for downloading from iTunes as well as from the University’ of Bath’s podcast page.

And finally, as well as their commitment to use of third party Web 2.0 services the Open University is also taking a high profile with its OpenLearn service which provides access to free learning resources.

I recently commented on how ‘Edupunks’ are challenging institutional inertia and conservatism by engaging with light-weight development. Is the Open University embracing an ‘edupunk’ approach in its use service, I wonder? And if so, does this mean that Tony Hirst, whose OUseful blog has often challenged conservatism in the Open University, is now being embraced by the establishment?