YouTube Not Just For Recess Anymore, Moves into Classrooms

Forget primetime. Kids these days may be getting a dose of online video right in the classroom while school is in session.

The YouTube Teacher’s Channel encourages teachers from primary and secondary schools incorporate videos in the classroom. YouTube argues that teaching with videos increases student engagement, provides free access to thousands of high quality educational videos, lengthens in-class instructional time, and expands the type of instruction to fit a variety of learning styles.

The Teacher’s Page helps teachers set up a YouTube channel, create playlists, and make and upload new videos. The page can spark discussion, organize relevant videos, archive work, and encourage further exploration, and help students review for an upcoming exam.

Teaching with video also allows teachers to “flip the classroom,” where students watch a video on the basic concepts at home so teachers can use class time to focus on applying those concepts. The result is a more engaging, collaborative environment rather than the dull lecture.