#21 You Tube

A few years back our school system banned the viewing of You Tube in the classroom because of probable offensive realted videos on the screne at the same time. I found that by using idesktoptv I could download the particular video that I wanted and use it in isolation. When I presented at a conference, I would download the you tube video as a backup in case the internet became overload (which often happens in a whole school ICT conference!)

I do love the medieval helpdesk video but I have used this video to show teachers that they must do a bit of problem solving themselves!

But as we progress into the 21century, engaging students (and their teachers) becomes more of a challenge. Certainly captured video from You Tube brings subjects into the classroom and into the student’s line of sight. History and geography come to life as teachers overcome lack of resources and turn student’s attention to images and ideas to stimulate classroom discussions.

Similarly, teachers needed stimulation to see how a different approach can achieve outstanding and exiting results as in this you tube video showing how people were encouraged to use the stairs and experience the difference. Add a bit of fun and see what happens!

In time our school system administrators saw the benefit and allowed you tube content to be brought into the classroom under strict guidelines. Teachers had to view the content and show how they would integrate it into their lessons. They also enjoy you tube in our staff meetings to help them 'think outside the square'