is youtube the new school?
THE NEW SCHOOL
YouTube is the hub for cat-video lovers and conspiracy theory aficionados, but it is also an incredibly powerful educational tool for traditional and non-traditional learners. Beyond the entertainment videos and video diaries, many institutions and educators also use YouTube to provide in-depth knowledge across science, mathematics, technology, arts, and more. Unsurprisingly, knowledge seekers are not the only ones who know this. A growing number of educators have been incorporating YouTube videos into their lesson plans, which expands their ability to bring novel content and information to students that they wouldn't have been able to do otherwise. So, how can you use YouTube to your advantage?
DEFINE YOUR GOAL
YouTube strength can be your weakness. Since there is so much content on YouTube, it is easy to get distracted or waste time searching through countless videos. Before you visit the site, take the time to write down what your goal is for that study session, as well as your overall goal.
Whether you're interested in learning how to code, or studying for a physics test, having a set goal of what to study will save you a lot of time in the long run. This could look like picking a topic and working through several examples, listening to a lecture on that topic and taking notes, or working through a tutorial to brush up your skills.
SET A TIME LIMIT
Studies show that one to two hours of concentrated study time with a break afterward helps you retain the most information. However, it is very easy to lose track of time. By setting a time limit per subject, topic, or even tutorial, you can get the most out of your time. It could be as simple as working through three or four 15-minute videos, taking a break, and then moving on to the next section or topic.
REVIEW WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED
Doing the work is essential, but so is reviewing your work to make sure you have fully grasped the concept. Getting into the habit of doing a short review session at the end of each study period will help you better manage your time. You will also better understand what you've learned and what you still need to work on.
YouTube is a wonderful and important learning resource, especially as education systems shift globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Presently, YouTube has launched the learn@home learning resource that highlights important channels for students and teachers. YouTube is also partnering with other creators who focus on educational content such as Khan Academy and others to bring more content on topics including science & technology, children's educational content, and language learning instructional content, which means there are even more ways for you to learn on YouTube.
