I have observed plenty of videos on YouTube in the past, but never signed up until today. YouTube can be quite addictive as well! I like it because you can find a video on just about anything. It also gives people a place to show their talent or creations. I remember reading once that the new lead singer for Journey (not my musical taste, but an interesting article) was found when a band member saw him singing for a cover band on YouTube.
On the other hand, I dislike it because people can post videos about just about anything! As an example, last week there was a YouTube video circulating among some high school students of a fight at a Bridgeport high school. This led to more searches of school fights, and there were plenty to be found. It is unfortunate that there are not more restrictions on content. Occasionally videos are removed, but they get plenty of hits before that happens. The comments that follow even a well done video (example- Taylor Mali's ) can also be offensive.
There are many entertaining videos I have watched of favorite musical artists, past and present and amateur musicians. The flash mob videos are also fun to watch…. Frozen Grand Central reminded me of those. The list goes on!
YouTube is restricted at Middlebrook and it is understandable because of the questionable content students could access. There have been times when I would have liked access to YouTube for the classroom, but there has always been an alternative to be found. In general, You Tube is probably not the best for classroom use with eighth graders. Teacher Tube might be the safer route for classroom use.
Yes it can be addicting. I usually don't go browsing but look for things specifically.
ReplyDeleteWhat I mean is that I use Youtube as a resource for reference material for projects I am doing with Wilton Children's Theater or other community theaters.
My favorite source for video that inspires every day though is TED (Technology Entertainment Design) at www.ted.com. That's addicting.
I think that keeping YouTube open for teachers CAN be effective at Middlebrook with some PD. Teachers need to use it as a tool and in a professional manner. Like the internet, there are objectionable things in YouTube, however, they can also be used as teachable moments. Do not forget that digital citizenship is a shared responsibility and we must help parents instill good digital habits and manners both in school and at home. If we restrict everything all of the time, we miss that opportunity. It can be scary, but it could be scarier to not be able to teach children how to behave online and how to act responsibly in the digital age.
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