TT #9: Using Online Video in the Classroom

I am definitely a YouTube fan. Now that Google owns YouTube in what was a multi-billion dollar acquisition it makes it that much better if you use a Google account.  I fully understand why Google would spend this money to acquire YouTube.  Simply because it is an awesome resource, easy to use and arguably the easiest thing to make money off of in the world via advertisements.  Hard to imagine about 20 years without having this site where you can literally search and find almost any video you want to see. It could have happened 50 years ago or yesterday YouTube has so much data and really works as a history resource.  I love it and use it daily. For the most part it is relatively safe and classroom friendly providing you are searching for something appropriate.

The best known YouTube source that I know for Physical Education that is easy and awesome is Phys.Ed Games. If you type phys. ed games you will get to the channel that literally has hundreds of games and exactly how to play them with rules in the short videos. They even separate it in grades if you wish to follow that. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/user/PhysEdGames
Here is an example: Swamp Ball

This video can be used by the instructor to fully understand how a specific game is played. The large collection of games that Phys. Ed game has gives Phys. Ed teachers all over the world a great resource. If you wanted you could use this as your instruction in class for the students if suitable or possibly a substitute so they fully understand how the game is played. This is just Phys. Ed if I wanted to show a video in class for learning, an assignment or as a reward YouTube is always my favourite. I had done a WWII unit with a group of Grade 7's in my practicum and found a great video resource called WWII from Space. It was a 90 minute video that got the students engaged right away because it was a overview of the War in a modern style with different aspects and a view of the geography from Space. The students absolutely loved it and their grade's reflected it as they did a choice project with rave reviews.

The good thing about YouTube is it's popular. Most people use it, it is able to be used in most school divisions although mostly just by the teacher. I could see it being a distraction for students so having the teacher being the only one able to get on may be a good thing. This way you can ensure it is used in an appropriate way...we hope.

There is my opinion on YouTube, very positive.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Rod