I recently read an article in Technology & Learning Magazine that proposed that we begin using YouTube content to enhance our lessons, and to improve educational practices. I must admit that my first gut reaction was somewhat negative due to the inability to ensure school appropriate content. Although YouTube does a pretty good job of keeping pornographic content off there are many things that still don’t belong in our schools. As I read the article I began to change my mind. There are many videos that have very valid teaching points that are also of high interest to students. In fact my sons teacher frequently uses YouTube type content in many of his lessons, and my son has shown a remarkable ability to not only remember the video but also the teaching point that the teacher used in relation to it.
Our school blocks YouTube and many other sites as they probably should. I don’t think there is any educational value in turning a 6th grade class loose in the lab to look at videos. But with carefully selected videos, it is possible to create very engaging lessons.
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