YouTube is a video-sharing platform that reaches people in 61 countries around the world. Over 100 hours of content is uploaded every minute, and 6 billion hours of video content is being watched every month. Although a large majority of videos uploaded to YouTube are for entertainment purposes, a large amount is also very educational and informative.
One very important aspect of YouTube is that it is FREE. It is a tool that is available for people in both developing and developed countries who want access to educational tools but perhaps can not afford it or are not granted access. More schools and universities are integrating free video platforms like YouTube into their classrooms. One example of this use is virtual classroom sessions. Teachers will record lectures themselves via a webcam, and then upload them to YouTube where students can watch on demand. These videos can be both public or private.
Beyond this delivery of curriculum content, YouTube can be used in a variety of other ways. This includes using YouTube for: having student-produced videos (i.e. for reflection or digital assignments), assessment and feedback, research, or watching online lectures and tutorials. An example of online lectures includes TED talks. These "talks" are free lectures from top-rated speakers on numerous topics. These speakers are experts in their fields and they use this platform to present ideas on a large range of topics to a global audience. It is educational because it provides current knowledge on ever changing subjects, including science and technology.
As technology becomes more advanced, we see a shift from a campus-based model of education to an open one. These online platforms provide a new and flexible way of teaching and learning, allowing these to be done at any place and time, ultimately providing the most beneficial learning environment for students.
Jenna@NU
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