One of the latest developments in the education world is the growing use of YouTube, the popular video sharing Web site where any user can upload and share videos of every possible kind (Mohideen, 2002).
And why wouldn't it be? YouTube gives the opportunities for teachers to use clips throughout different aspects of planning. YouTube can be used as an engaging tool such as introducing a new topic, be used as a tool to introduce problematic based learning, a means of clarifying information, to a tool that encourages children to synthesis, analyse and evaluate in specific tasks, as well as be used as an assessment to a unit of work - where students create a document about the topic that demonstrates the knowledge gained in order to upload it onto YouTube to be shared by viewers.
This year I have been placed in a year one classroom. An example of YouTube being used to enhance their learning can be seen within a technology unit. Students are required to construct a bridge in cooperative groups. The scenario is set in the following clip:
This contextualises the learning of the students, as it clearly sets a defined purpose and relevance to learning. Students are furthermore, engaged and motivated to learn as it is a close match to their interests and needs.
Furthermore, YouTube clips can be used to analyse. For instance, a middle group class - say that of lower high - can view clips in order to identify messages/meanings conveyed to an audience. A focus for example can be conveying stereotypes in Australian cultural. The following clip is a Victorian Bitters ad from the 1980s.
This clip provides a range of different opportunities, such as looking at the gender that the product is aimed at; looking at the type of men present within the ad; comparing an ad from the 1980s to one of late.
This short clip allows for many avenues of learning to take place. This uses the higher levels of blooms.
Positives and limitations of YouTube as an effective teaching tool:
References:
Anushka Mohideen. (1010). Youtube: The Next Major Teaching Tool? Retrieved 23rd August, 2010 from http://www.convergemag.com/policy/YouTube-The-Next-Major-Teaching-Tool-.html
YouTube. (2007). Teaching Teachers. Retrieved 23rd August, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVtvSTfI8WM
YouTube. (2010). The Old Bridge - Season 7 -Episode 160. Retrieved 23rd August, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrWwnT3sQis
YouTube. (2010). VB Victoria Bitter (Australian Ad - 1980). Retrieved 23rd August, 2010 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA1h9h7-_Z4
Hey Belinda! Enjoyed reading and watching this post.
ReplyDeleteI feel YouTube can be used within the classroom as an effective pedagogical tool, provided the Learning Manager ensures that students remain safe online. I personally believe that it is an effective way to engage students in a task, whether it is used in the hook, body or conclusion. The key to using this tool effectively is to show students videos that specifically relate to the intended learning outcomes.
Thanks Emma. I agree. There are a great amount of opportunities that YouTube has within the learning context. In particular a focus on student engagement. I mean, you could ask the students to 'picture' all you wanted but never get the same result. This visual element allows for this to contextualise learning and allow for a more meaningful, purposeful and enjoyable learning experience.
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