HowTo: Mozilla Popcorn Learning Lab

# Popcorn Learning Lab #

A **Mozilla Popcorn Learning Lab** is an event to introduce developers and filmmakers to [Popcorn.js](http://mozillapopcorn.org/), an HTML5 javascript library that integrates the web into media production.

Participants will **[create plugins](http://popcornjs.org/plugins), hack [templates](http://mozillapopcorn.org/maker/lib/userManual.html), and code a [demo](http://popcornjs.org/demos)** that easily remixes web content into video, using open tools and collaborative design.

You can organize a learning lab with this guide! (A huge shout-out to Julia for [translating this into French](http://www.julia.buchner.fr/howto-organiser-un-learning-lab-popcorn-js/))

## Why Popcorn? ##

Well, besides it being fun Javascript library to play with, it’s a powerful tool to create web-enabled video. Christian Heilmann did [a great job](http://christianheilmann.com/2012/02/02/web-enabled-video-at-newsrewired/) describing its strengths and opportunities:

* Video is typically hard to edit and change
* Video is often a black, unindexed hole on the web
* Separation allow for easier maintenance, enhancement, accessibility, and discovery
* HTML5 video is just another page element
* The timestamp is the glue
* Tap into the real-time web using Popcorn.js

Demos also speak loudly about Popcorn’s possibilities. [Take a look!](http://popcornjs.org/demos)

## What ##

Participants will get their hands dirty by sharing hacks and peer-reviewing projects. Demos from the Popcorn community provide inspiration and running code to build from.

The motto: **Learn by sharing and making!**

Learning Labs can be hosted in partnership with Mozilla, who provides facilitation experience and extensive knowledge of the software, and by community members versed in Popcorn.

Mozilla will work with partners to ensure participants leave with a **deeper understanding of Popcorn’s possibilities and how to teach others.**

Learning Labs can also be **self-organized** following this handy guide!

## Who ##

Teams consist of:

* Web developers skilled in Javascript
* Bold filmmakers wanting to play with cod
* Experienced Popcorn.js contributors

Small teams of web developers are paired with experienced contributors. Facilitators and web designers are also key roles at the learning lab.

## How ##
### Pre-Learning Lab Engagement ###
Mozilla and partners contact Popcorn community members, Javascript developers, and filmmakers in the area.
Through lightweight interviews with sampling of participants, the organizers calibrate the skill levels and interests of the group, **fine-tuning the agenda around what people want to learn and make.**

### Agenda ###

All the participants and facilitators meet for a **group demo.** Popcorn contributors walk through the basics of the Javascript framework, highlighting use cases and possible avenues of development.

In the first hacking session, depending on technical skill, participants choose to:

* play with [Popcorn Maker](http://mozillapopcorn.org/maker/) — an authoring environment for interactive video — and turn a video interactive.
* or dive into coding a [plugin](http://popcornjs.org/creating-plugins), a powerful way to bring in another service, like Flickr, OpenStreetMap, DocumentCloud or many others, to respond to video.

After busting a hack, the **group shares back what they made.** Participants give feedback, file bugs, offer help, and note ways to improve the experience.

In the second hacking session, you can:

* create your own **[Popcorn Maker template](http://mozillapopcorn.org/maker/lib/userManual.html)**
* start making a demo
* keep coding your plugin
* or float & help others.

Participants **code their project,** giving feedback and checking in with more experienced contributors if they get stuck.

At the end of the day, **a screening and party** is held. Each group demos their final code, evaluates the process, and celebrates all the hard work.

Afterward, participants sign up for activities they’re interested in: joining upcoming events, contributing code to Popcorn.js, teaching other developers, or just staying informed about the project.

### Resources ###

* At least one computer per team.
* Video-editing software as well as a fast, modern browser.
* Popcorn.js installed.
* Video files for each demo.
* Reliable wifi.
* Power outlets.
* Projector with suitable adapters
* Meals – events should be catered
* Amenities such as coffee, water, and snacks.
* Travel support to the learning lab, where needed.

## Case Studies of Popcorn Events ##

**Independent Television Service (ITVS) + Mozilla, San Francisco.**
[http://www.wired.com/underwire/2011/10/coders-filmmakers-popcorn/all/1](http://www.wired.com/underwire/2011/10/coders-filmmakers-popcorn/all/1 )
Video: [http://mozillapopcorn.org/the-living-docs-hack-day/](http://mozillapopcorn.org/the-living-docs-hack-day/)

**“ButterCamp”, NYC, March 2011.**
[http://mozillapopcorn.org/videoblog-buttercamp/](http://mozillapopcorn.org/videoblog-buttercamp/)

**Mozilla Festival, London. November 2011.**
[http://mozillapopcorn.org/what-we-made-at-mozfest/](http://mozillapopcorn.org/what-we-made-at-mozfest/)

Photos: CC BY-NC-SA by Jonathan Mcintosh

Comments (4)

  1. Pingback: Mozilla Popcorn Learning Lab in London | Michelle Thorne

  2. Pingback: Mozilla Popcorn @ SXSW | Mozilla Popcorn

  3. Pingback: Mozilla Popcorn @ SXSW | Mozilla Popcorn

Leave a Reply to Julia Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.