No matter how advanced the education system gets, the room for further improvement is always there. While traditional methods of teaching and learning are effective, technology brings more innovation into the field. 

Keeping students away from the technological innovation means pushing them backward which is not a positive move. Instead they should be encouraged to learn using new tools through which they can hone their academic skills.

Scientific technology is booming at a rapid pace. That’s why it’s crucial for the education industry to help students learn study concepts through different ways. Watching informative and didactic videos on YouTube is one of the best activities that students can undertake to perform well in their academics.

You might wonder how it works, a random video with no purpose other than entertainment on someone’s channel does not sound like something that would help influence lives positively or leave any meaningful impact. 

It’s hard to find a student who doesn’t own a smartphone nowadays. To make the best use of a mobile device, students should prefer downloading subject-related videos using free video download platforms like https://www.downloadyoutubevideos.io/

If you thought along these lines earlier, then you’re in for a surprise because some of the best and most effective teaching tools are not confined to stuffy classrooms with blackboards anymore. They’ve gone mobile and this is where YouTube comes into play as one of the most powerful educational mediums out there.

Diverse education material

There are countless videos on every imaginable topic uploaded to YouTube by people who know more about it than anyone else, educators. You can find lectures, demonstrations, experiments, documentaries, animations, and much more on any subject.

From basic school-level lessons to college-level courses and professional development material for teachers, it’s all there. The great thing about it is that you can watch these videos at your convenience and pick and choose what you want to watch.

  • Better control over learning

Having said this, it is important to note that YouTube has recently been asked by the US Department of Education to provide better controls over content so as not to mislead students who may be led to wrong or unverified information through such videos. 

So, if you’re looking for educational material through this medium, make sure you double-check and verify everything before utilizing it as a means of learning.

That doesn’t mean we should completely rely on other people’s judgment though, there are plenty of excellent channels run by professional educators and institutions that love what they do and want to share the passion with others all around the world. 

YouTube has become one of the most used resources for education. Whether students are looking for tutorials on almost any subject or they want to catch up on lectures that they missed, YouTube is the right place to go. 

What makes YouTube so powerful as an educational resource, and what can teachers and parents do to make sure it’s used positively?

Easily accessible information

The major benefit of YouTube as an educational tool is the ease of access. Students can easily search a topic and find a tutorial from a reliable source. This goes for any research assignment, from finding videos about how the Krebs Cycle works, to watching Ted Talks with others in the class. 

There are also videos on how to do things, like fixing a bike, cooking ramen, and even how to make slime (you know kids these days). This is invaluable for students who want the information but can’t get it from their teachers or parents.

Subtitles and transcripts

Another benefit of YouTube is that many videos come with subtitles and transcripts which allow deaf/hard-of-hearing users to watch video content. Closed captioning can help those who don’t know English well yet fill in any gaps in their knowledge without having to ask someone else. 

Also, transcripts give users a chance to read something rather than only write it down, it’s much easier to understand something when you’re able to read it at your own pace, rather than trying to copy down everything that’s said. This is also useful for those who like to multitask or watch videos while doing another activity (studying, eating, etc.)

Avoid watching videos from bogus channels

However, YouTube can be used negatively as well; sometimes videos are inaccurate, there may be advertisements that distract from the content of the video itself, and certain videos can promote bullying if they’re not moderated correctly. With all this in mind though, schools should still encourage students to use YouTube responsibly.

Teachers should guide students to watch content from reputable sources

Teachers can help their students by having them always use reputable sources for their information, particularly reliable sources like CrashCourse, TED talks, MinutePhysics, and SciShow. 

Teachers can also ask students to watch videos critically, noting any inaccurate information and discussing it in class. Additionally, teachers should be mindful of the types of videos their students are watching.

Role of parents in making the right use of YouTube

Parents can help as well by being supportive of their children’s educationally-oriented YouTube use. If they’re not sure about how to find reputable sources or if they’re worried about an advertisement distracting from the educational content, parents can always provide their children with the required help.

Additionally, parents should make sure that they’re aware of what their children are watching. If there’s a video that promotes bullying or is otherwise inappropriate, parents should talk to their children about it and explain why it’s not okay.

The importance of the correct use of YouTube

YouTube can be an amazing resource for education when used correctly. With a little help from educators and parents, students can learn almost anything they want and get a better understanding of the world around them. So go ahead, watch a few videos, and learn something new.

Lastly, educators should be aware of the potential for distraction that YouTube can sometimes have. Although it’s an amazing resource for learning, some students can get sidetracked by watching unrelated or inappropriate videos (vulgar content, conspiracy theories, etc.). Teachers can combat this by setting guidelines for their students. For example, having them only watch one video at a time.