YouTube is a video sharing website where anyone can generate and post their own video content, as well as comment on the videos of others. By technical definition YouTube is a social media site, however I thought YouTube deserved a post of its own. Why? Check out these statistics from Brandwatch (Smith, 2018):

• YouTube is the 3^rd most visited site after Google and Facebook
• 400 hours of video are uploaded to the site every minute
• 1 billion hours of YouTube are watched a day
• 6 out of 10 people prefer online video to live TV

Needlessly to say YouTube, and YouTubing have become part of the vernacular, and it is something that students know, and use on a daily basis. I’m sure every teacher has said ‘get off YouTube’ multiple times a day in class, I know I have. The question becomes then, since they are already on it, why not make it work for you in class?

In his article Catapano, outlines four main ways YouTube can be used effectively in the classroom. The first is flipped instruction; give students videos to view outside of class to gain, outside knowledge, either prior to or outside of the lesson (Catapano). Supplemental information; used to support a lesson already given in class (Catapano). Self-directed learning; when you use a video to give the lesson in lieu of having a dry lecture, or to get their own information (Catapano). Classroom enhancers; used to enhance your lesson to make it engaging and interesting (Catapano).

The great thing about YouTube is the growing amount of free professional videos being up loaded everyday (Catapano). John Green’s Crash Course videos touch on every topic from literature, history, psychology, and everything in between (Catapano). While Khan Academy is the go to place for math, science, and economic teachers (Catapano). Additionally, many teachers, professors, and professionals post talks and lectures from their class. Including the incredibly popular TEDTalks.

The reasons for using YouTube is class are endless, as so many lists and recommendations will tell you. One of the biggest though is the ability for students to not only watch but also to participate. Students can post and share their own video, and original user content for free. YouTube is rife with projects, and students sample projects posted by the student, and or by the teacher.

Like any other media in the classroom, there are some words of warning for users.

• Make sure to watch any video you want to show in its entirety
• Watch copyright infringement when uploading
• Look at where the content is coming from
• Check old links, media is constantly being changed and lost

YouTube should be a staple in the modern classroom, and much like any media a teacher who chooses to try and ignore is just going to create more headaches for themselves. So, as the age-old adage, if you can’t beat them join them. Every platform you can design a classroom website easily integrates YouTube videos, you can build playlists for students subscribe to channels, and even share videos across other social media platforms.

YouTube should be part of your classroom, and in the spirit of using YouTube to further your knowledge I am including some links to some useful channels below!

Sources

Catapano, J. (n.d.). Technology in the Classroom: Using YouTube. Retrieved from http://www.teachhub.com/technology-classroom-using-youtube

Smith, K. (2018, April 12). 39 Fascinating and Incredible YouTube Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.brandwatch.com/blog/39-youtube-stats/

Top 20 Ways to Use YouTube in the Classroom - Blog. (2018, July 10). Retrieved from https://www.educationalappstore.com/blog/top-20-ways-to-use-youtube-in-classroom/