What do
you like or dislike about YouTube? Did you find videos that would be useful for
teaching and learning? Is YouTube restricted in your building?
I really enjoy YouTube! I have been using YouTube for quite some time
already, both for fun and for my classroom. YouTube has many videos that are useful for reinforcing or extending classroom learning. My students especially enjoy “Chicka Chicka
Boom Boom,” an alphabet song from “Have Fun Teaching,” and full episodes of “Sid
the Science Kid.” I have also used YouTube for fun. I have
shown my own children theme songs for my favorite childhood
shows, original “Looney Tunes” shows, and “Schoolhouse Rocks.” We have had a great deal of fun watching the video
called “The Ten Funniest Babies.” Last
week I used it for more serious purposes.
I watched videos pertaining to the tornadoes that went through
Dexter. I live in Chelsea, which is ten minutes from Dexter,
so I was very concerned for the inhabitants of the town. I was able to see first hand the destruction that was caused by the tornado.
YouTube is not restricted to teachers in my
district, but I’m not sure if students can access it on their own. I will be asking the technology supervisor
about this when I see him next.
Best practice possible would be if a district is able to set up their filters so teachers do have unlimited access to YouTube, but students do NOT! Of course, in the case of older students, they're still going to listen/watch inappropriate content on their own unless parents understand the need to help educate and monitor their children at home. It's not just up to the teachers. But I do believe that the younger we start to talk to them about Internet safety and making wise choices, the more impact the lessons will have long term.
ReplyDeleteI could browse through videos on YouTube all day for news, laughs, DIY ideas, and more... But you make a good point that they are a great tool to use in the classroom, too! As a teacher education student, I've recently used YouTube to find experiments that could help teach third-grade students about energy. There are several video clips out there for lesson plans and homework help.
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