YouTube is an online video clip data base, with content that is largely user generated. Clips can be searched for, found and/or uploaded by a user. But is it appropriate to use as a learning tool in Australian classrooms? Well, I approached this question with my vision blurred by negativity (I had my black hat on).
Many schools filter access to websites and YouTube is on the "no viewing list" at some schools. Though it could be argued that it is counterproductive to restrict students' access to YouTube. I myself wonder why schools block some websites that students most probably have free access to at home - shouldn't schools be educating youth about the Internet instead of dictating its usage? I'm beginning to realize just how complex the topic of elearning is. The safety of learners is a primary concern for a lot of schools and no one wants to risk exposing them to inappropriate material - which can be done with the click of a button on the Internet. Not to mention the possibility of allowing "bad guys" contact with students - which could pose a significant risk in some situations and is every parents worst nightmare. Lawful practises also need to be considered and I'm exploring the legal ramifications (and loopholes) that the Internet presents.
One case that caught my attention was "Porn Day". Because YouTube relies on user generated content it can be susceptible to abuse. On the 20th of May 2009 a large, organised group of users uploaded a very large amount of pornographic and explicit material without declaring it and attaching tags such as "Jonas Brothers". See http://arstechnica.com/web/news/2009/05/4chan-ebaumsworld-carpet-bombing-youtube-with-porn-videos.ars
YouTube users as young as 12 accessed explicit material by pure accident.
This was just one incident and possibly represents a worse case scenario. To get a wider view of YouTube's potential as a learning tool I conducted a SWOT analysis (with help), seen below.
Strengths
User friendly
Students can watch critical points several times
Videos can be paused for note taking
Cheap, easy access to media
Access to videos from all around the world
Videos can be re watched as many times as necessary
Searing for clips is fast and easy
Clips can be creative
Weaknesses
Not all information on YouTube is reliable
YouTube is dependent on Internet connectivity
Slow downloading can be frustrating
Clips are not interactive
Not all videos to appear in a search are relevant to topic
Clips can be bias
Opportunities
Watching clips could be given as homework/revision
Helps students to become global citizens
Students could use YouTube as a way of presenting assessment
Clips could be watched as a class then discussed
Talent can be recognised through YouTube
Collaboration of information and ideas
Networking through YouTube
Students can contribute to online database
Threats
Copyright issue
Can be issues with privacy invasion
Not all videos are child friendly
Government censorship means that it isn't always accessible to learners
There are a lot of great opportunities to use YouTube constructively as a learning tool. I believe that using it as a homework or a revision task has great potential, so long as URL is given so that there are no mix ups with students watching the wrong videos. Clips would have to be reviewed by the teacher prior to showing the students or recommended to them to ensure all material was appropriate. Realistically I believe that asking students to create films is a possibility although I don't believe that YouTube has to be involved in the process - the films can simply be made and never shared. YouTube could be used for ideas and inspiration in this instance. I also think that setting clips as homework is a possibility but certain circumstances need to be considered for that to work - do all students have access to the Internet with enough downloading capacity to utilize YouTube, etc. Watching clips in class could be used as a "hook" or introduction to a topic or an interesting way to consider alternate opinions on subjects.
After considering all aspects of YouTube I certainly can see it as a valuable learning tool when used successfully and my attitudes toward it have certainly become more positive!
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Very interesting read Cortney. I like how you set out explaining the pros and cons. I also agree that if they have access to it at home it should be available at school, the teacher has access to what they view at all times so there should be no problem with access to inappropriate material.
ReplyDeleteFor me i can see a great use for incorporating youtube into the school setting, so it's a shame to stifle that avenue.
Thanks for your comment Mark! I believe that YouTube has a lot of potential in the classroom if used in the right way. I like the idea of using it as a hook best or incoporating it into other technologies such as a Glogster or Powerpoint. I also think students could benefit from creating video clips themselves but I'm still not sure about how I feel about them uploading those videos. What are your thoughts.
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