Podcast: Play in new window
One of my favorite online video series is the stunning Web videos from TED.com.
In case you’re unfamiliar with this extraordinary worldwide organization, TED invites visionary people to speak for 18 minutes in front of a live audience.
The videos are shared across the Web through mobile apps, its online site and elsewhere. With over 900 Web videos produced to date, the organization operates under a liberal copyright standard that encourages sharing its media content worldwide.
While not all TED talks are brilliant, many are and some are captivating masterpieces. Both well-known experts in their fields, as well as individuals who have accomplished remarkable feats, present daily talks, usually with stunning projected photos, graphics and videos.
Chris Anderson and Crowd Accelerated Innovation
Chris Anderson, who leads the team behind TED Talks and its conferences, spoke in July, 2010 about “crowd accelerated innovation,” an ecosystem of people who innovate, share inspirational light and help reduce the digital divide.
The “crowd” is you and me, someone in Kenja, a dreamer in the U.K., or a resident of Bangladesh where Chris Anderson once lived. The crowd is an electronic web of creative people whose talents encourage progress. And it’s only possible to share those talents due to YouTube, Vimeo, Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites.
Online Web Videos Drive Communication and Innovation
Cisco estimates that by 2013 90% of all Internet content will be videos, an unbelievable, radical shift in the digital revolution. But if you consider the 18 million Web videos seen by a global audience and 
mobile streaming videos, the numbers are astounding. Billions of eyes are glued to computer and mobile screens.
Enhanced Learning and a “Self-Fueling Cycle”
As the world reaches nine billion people, Chris Anderson speaks about millions of contributors who share their knowledge to improve learning. In the process, innovators are changing our planet into a “wiser, smarter, more beautiful place.”
And this more beautiful place impacts business, commerce, government and health care. As the digital revolution progresses, new technologies will emerge combining Web videos with other technologies. In ten years, the YouTubes, Vimeo’s and Netflix’s will morph into new media that don’t yet exist..
Along the way, TED and similar organizations, as they drive the digital revolution, inspire, enlighten and educate us. For that, we’re grateful.
About Brian Prows