If you sieve through the endless cat videos and clips of people falling over, YouTube is a treasure trove of educational content that can turn a one-dimensional lesson into an interactive discussion that really taps into the imagination of students.
As one of the most used sites on the web, YouTube can seem a bit daunting if you’re contemplating using it in the classroom for the first time, so we’ve put together some pointers to help ease the transition.
1. Trigger interesting and unique discussion.
Search for topical videos surrounding current affairs, such as clips from news stories, and ask the class what their thoughts or opinions are. News reports, especially the same story reported by two different news stations, can be a great way for students to deconstruct the motives and impact of competing broadcasters.
2. Use videos to inspire themed reflections in form time.
Form time is often used to encourage students to reflect on topical issues, such as Remembrance Day or Red Nose Day. YouTube has lots of clips you could use to generate topical discussion.
3. Access high quality educational instruction videos for free.
There are hundreds of high quality videos specifically made for a YouTube audience that are short, snappy, entertaining and educational. Here’s an example: