YouTube

In recent times the Internet has become a 'place' not only where you get information or use it for communication purposes, but it has become apart of billions of peoples lives, some not being able to live without it. Our 'right here, right now' attitude is how we view the Internet, we need our news fast and always up-to-date. The Internet is allowing greater flexibility for people to work, learn and keep in contact with people all over the globe. In 2005 a little website called http://www.youtube.com/ came onto the scene blowing every possibility about video file sharing out of the water. YouTube allows people to upload videos or view them in a matter of seconds. It's easy, fast, effective and most of all entertaining. YouTube is so powerful it has become apart of Internet culture, launching the music careers of Lilly Allen, Soulja Boy and Justin Bieber.

Aside from the success stories of millionaire sixteen years olds and mindless entertainment, YouTube can be used for innovative ways, especially as a platform that could play an important part in your students learning process. It depends on how the teacher uses the video to support and extend learning, teachers must know not rely on the videos but to use it as an aide to start a discussion, serve as a writing prompt, start an investigation or a hook at the beginning of a unit. Just like everything you do in the classroom you must make sure there is no inappropriate content or pop-up ads before showing the class. Children in the 21st Century have grown up with the Internet from the word 'go' and the attitude that comes with it, every teacher either computer literate or not can use YouTube in the classroom and will gain interest from student's and guaranteed engagement!

How would you use YouTube in your classroom?