YouTube in the classroom.

This term I have started teaching Year 2 in a Primary School and we are studying mini-beasts. Fascinating little creatures living in an amazing miniature world of their own. To investigate this world within the classroom when I was at school we would look at books and maybe a video. The video would bring the photographs and drawings to life. Now we have video clips online and advanced technology to get down into the insect world. Students can search for clips for their own learning if access is available through the school internet connection and upload their own, providing an authentic audience for their work. Many videos can be downloaded and embedded into presentations.

On a pedagogical theme, videos can be used to introduce a topic acting as an authentic hook. It can be used as a topic synopsis or revision tool. Some videos may provide a different point of view or a way of living. The video I chose has been used in another GDLT blog, but is the best of many on that theme. It is time consuming to find an appropriate video on YouTube and Teacher Tube appears to be more limited. The most reliable way for a teacher to use this resource is to download the video first and then embed into a PowerPoint presentation or Publisher. Live embedded links are sometimes not fast or reliable enough to use in the classroom. Keeping the attention of 7 - 8 year olds is challenging enough without a slow download to add.

YouTube has another amazing resource other than bringing topics to life. Some clips I have used recently are learning to play the guitar, surf and draw. I find this tool amazing and it opens up lifelong learning to anyone with internet access. In most cases if you are stuck with something, you can find it on YouTube.

Happy Watching
Johanna