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Any comments on the article about YouTube being used in the classroom?

When I worked for Brownsville ISD, YouTube was a blocked website. Therefore, no teachers used the site. I think that blocking off the website is detrimental to instruction when there is so much information available and nothing can be done with it. Fortunately, there are ways around this. Videos could be downloaded at home and shown in class. Of course, one should take the time to review the video to make sure it is appropriate and of course beneficial to learning.

I think sharing videos with students can be beneficial to them by having supplemental instruction in case they didn't understand the material during class. The link could be emailed to students via email or by setting up a YouTube channel specifically for your class. I think a good way to implement this would be to have administration give you the okay and of course, inform parents of what you are trying to do and get their consent. Once everything is good to, videos can be shared with your class. More time could be spent learning a concept, videos could provide more in depth information, and so much more.

Before I started my masters, I wasn't aware that YouTube had channels specifically made for education. They offer a great amount of information that can benefit all persons whether it be children or the elderly. These channels are a great source because the videos have already been filtered to make sure that you are only showing students appropriate and relevant material.

What does everyone else think about this article and the specific questions mentioned?

I've only ever encountered youtube videos used in graduate classes so aren't facing the issues of the other commenters. I think it makes a huge difference in attention. Being able to hear the words straight from the horse's mouth in a TedTalk or hear an author speak...etc. changes everything. The conversations inspired from a video talk were better than I think from articles.

Olivia, I can understand how there would be concerns about online predators and bullying but I think that this is something that could be monitored in a control environment. I realize the situation may not always be ideal but your article explains all the good that can come of online collaboration, such as a decrease in students being absent. Students are already using I pads, kindles, laptops, etc... for other activities, why not encourage that use for something positive that will motivate them in the classroom. I http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2010/05/100-inspiring-ways-to-use-social-media-in-the-classroom/

I have a book club that consists of 10 4th grade students. We communicate mostly through Kidblog. We do meet once a week however, the kids love posting on their blog outside of the school's four walls. I love that they are discussing book club topics outside of the classroom. They feel empowered when they have the opportunity to make decisions such as, what avatar to create and how they want their individual blog to appear. I've made our blog a very controlled environment in that it is set as private and password protected, just the members have access. In addition, posts must be approved by me before they go out in our blog world (which consists of the 11 of us, plus our principal). Other than the introduction to Kidblog, I began with an author study by providing links to author interviews via a YouTube channel for the students. We have embedded Google forms in our blog for a quick assessment. Overall, it has been successful and the students are excited and remain engaged with our activities.

Kidblog info: http://kidblog.org/home/why-kidblog/ 5 reasons you should consider blogging in the classroom: http://onlinegrad.marygrove.edu/blog/bid/146682/5-Reasons-You-Should-Consider-Using-Blogging-in-the-Classroom

We've come along way as a district. Into thousand 10 when I arrived teacher to not have the ability to create a folder on the desktop. They have access to basically all sites, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube...and many of them are even active on these sites, uploading and sharing resources with other teachers and students. Here is a link to the guidelines we've established for use of YouTube and Facebook: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BMXrouaj67SFh-BISriU24a59c9mk8-K-9K9qeEEW4E/pub Still, the communication is primarily one-way: teachers disseminate information to their students through social media, but do not collaborate with students in real time, nor do they encourage students to collaborate with each other using social media. That may come down the road. For now, I'm happy we have continued to move away from the top-down control model to the empower the end user and give them the benefit of doubt...we don't want our students leaving a walled garden environment to fall on their face in the real world, where their aren't heavy-handed content filters in place. We need to wean them off being told what to do and educate them to make good decisions. With that in mind we moved in 2012 from an Acceptable Use Policy to a Responsible Use Policy. Here's what the student version looked like (https://www.dropbox.com/s/iwqu8kf9qmvlmuu/2012-2013%20Student%20RUP.pdf) and here's the teacher version (http://www.lampasas.k12.tx.us/files/filesystem/responsible%20use%20policy-employee.pdf). We considered opening up G+ to students as it's part of our GAFE suite of services, but tech tells me if we do, students, even younger ones, will be able to communicate with users outside our sub domain / walled garden. Thoughts? Have you found this to be true in your district? We are also looking at Office 365 and Sharepoint in terms of a training ground for safe student social networking....we will see what it can do in the coming weeks. For now, most of our teachers are comfortable using

Araceli, I agree that the benefits DO outweigh the risks especially when controls are put into place and certain systems are used. I try to stick to closed systems, but recently I have been hosting all my courses' book discussions via GoodReads.com, which is open. I teach high school students though, so I feel like I have an opportunity to teach intelligent internet use. For example, not only forbidding students from using actual pictures of themselves and never posting their age or location, but also teaching them why those are bad ideas through digital citizenship lessons. I honestly don't know how I would handle social networking with younger students, but I suspect I would stick only to closed systems.

Eric, Our district has recently decided to open up G+ to our students with good results so far. Because the students are still behind the school district Google web-mail (which provides them a kind-of "dummy" email that can't send or receive messages) their online visibility is very limited and no personal information is shared (as none exists other than their names). However, the program has just launched and many parents have expressed discomfort, especially with elementary and jr. high students. I'm taking a wait and see attitude as far as making any judgements.

With the onset of Web 2.0 tools, collaboration between students and teachers is easier than ever before. I agree with Araceli that the risks far outweigh the risks. With apps like slideshare, slidebomb, google drive, and dropbox, students are encourage to provide feedback to fellow students with leads to increase confidence. http://www.edutopia.org/stw-collaborative-learning-college-prep

As a parent, it would have to be REALLY controlled and closed for me to let my kids use it. I am appalled at some of the things I see kids posting on Facebook and other social media. Obviously, as someone in the EdTech program, I am seeing a lot of awesome ways to use technology. So, while not dead set against social media in the classroom, I would need to know what safeguards were in place and I would still be watching like a hawk.

We have banned social networking in school except using Edmodo, which the teachers can monitor. Our school has problems with social networking without even having it in the school! Parents feel it is the school's issue because problems are occurring between students, even though it is occurring outside of school. In my honest opinion, parents need to be better educated about social networking and take responsibility for their own children. As a parent of a child who did not use social media well, I know it is tough to restrict internet/website usage. But it is possible and needed.

Olivia, I don't see any reason that we couldn't incorporate the use of social media within the closed classroom environment. There must be many opportunities for collaboration, communication and scaffolding using social media in a controlled and safe environment. There are also many social networking sites that are designed specifically with kids in mind. Among them are: 1. Scuttlepad (2010) Age 7+ Social network with training wheels is safe but limited. 2. Togetherville (2010) Age 7+ Kids' social site connects to parents' Facebook friends. 3. WhatsWhat.me (2011) Age7+ Tween social network with top-notch safety features. 4. YourSphere (2009) Age 9+ Kid-only social network promises to block dangerous adults. 5. Franktown Rocks (2009) Age 10+ Music and social networking combine in safe, cool hangout. 6. GiantHello (2010) Age 10+ Facebook-lite gets a lot right, but watch out for games. 7. GirlSense (2009) Age 10+ Safe, creative community for tween fashionistas. 8. Sweety High (2010) Age 11+ Fun, closed social network for girls is strong on privacy. 9. Imbee (2011) Age 10+ Safer social networking if parents stay involved. With proper guidance and parental involvement I don't see any reason that we can't take advantage of the opportunities that social networking could provide.

I think that one of the main reasons that student interest and engagement increases with the use of social media tools is that these tools are familiar and easy for the students to use...it is not only teachers that are intimidated by new tools! :)

It would be very nice if our students learn to make eye contact with each other as well...:) I cannot tell you how many times a day, students stand at my desk waiting for me to read their minds as they converse on cell phones and listen to their earbuds...I am supposed to assume they would like to use a computer and sign them in. I like to just wait them out...and I frequently say, "Words are your friends! Use them to ask for what you want!"

I went to check my 18 year old son's cell phone usage and in one month he had 3143!! What do he and his friends text about is beyond me. Texting to him is so second nature, that he could with out a doubt do it without even looking at the keys. However, even with all his texting, he can hold a conversation. I feel this has to do with experiences that he has had in his life. It also helps that he is not shy. In the elementary level this not a big issue because they all love to talk not only to each other but to their teacher. I like the idea of having students use their phones to record themselves speaking, debating, etc... This is probably a good trial and error for anyone having to do any type of public speaking. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/03/text-messaging-texting-conversation_n_1566408.html

"Muzzle Memory" is what my daughter developed with her cell phone when I was trying to hold a decent conversation. Every time we had a conversation, she had to pick up her smart phone to check or send a text message. Her actions were not due to a rebellious attitude but to her muzzle memory. It's part of their life and I constantly see it here at my workplace. Many can't live without looking at their phone throughout the day even in meetings. I have to constantly call out people who are on their phone while the meeting is in progress. I find it hilarious when people get grumpy since their phone is nowhere near them for motivational support.

Thanks for the comments! So, what do you all think would be some ways to engage learners using both technology and human interaction? I like the way it is handled in classes I've taken through the EdTech program. I like using the technology to learn but I also like the fact that we get together 'live" and are able to interact with the instructors and each other.

Although texting may not teach our students how to converse well, there is a lot of technology out there that promotes the skills of a good conversationalist. Below is a link which the author talks shows how technology is helping in kindergarten. Jeff, I think there are many opportunities. For example, using Collaborate, Skype or Google Hangout with students to collaborate or giving feed back. http://smartblogs.com/education/2014/04/10/using-technology-to-enrich-kindergarten-conversations/

I have said it before but I think it is worth saying here again. I don't think the technology or even the format of the technology is the problem. the problem is our understanding or misundertanding of how the technology can and should be used. We have always had some form of short and to the point communication whether it was a bulletin board, an announcement or a short phone message. Short messaging and quick messaging have indeed become more prevalent but that does not mean that internet technologies can't be used to promote communication. We need to recalibrate ourselves and begin studying how best to use technology in promoting communication which in turn promotes collaboration and cooperation. It may well turn out that the communication of the future looks fundamentally different from what we have seen in the past but it doesn't mean it will somehow be inferior. In fact, if we consider just the ability to communicate information and respond to immediate concerns the communications system we have evolved (or maybe revolutionized is a better word) into today is in fact far superior to what we had available to us only 10 years ago. Often times we see something as a problem or an issue because it is not what we are used to or accept as the norm when in fact what we should be doing is looking for the opportunity that has just presented to us. I believe that as a society we are in one of those pivotal moments of paradigm shift. This is one of those periods where people will look back from the future and call it the "Age of ????" What they choose to call it will depend on their perception is of how well we handled the moment and how well we adapted to the new situation. Think back to the the bronze age and the revolution that metal working brought to mankind. Compare today to the age of steam or the industrial age. I believe the comparison is warranted and that in fact this may be a more important time in human development than some of those earlier "ages".

1. I do not think that VR can be used in all grade levels. I think that Pre-k to 4th grade (+/-) would need to first learn about technology in general and then they could understand a virtual world, plus they need to understand their real world first. VR could provide a visit to a Zoo or any other field trip that is currently impossible. We could take the students to visit other cultures or animal habitats. 2. I think that VR should be incorporated in High School for the students to learn the technology and be able to use it. 3. Well, maybe 3% of the companies are using VR because of the health concerns. The following article describes why so many developers are going slow in creating new VR devices and the problems they have with people throwing up. The "nightmare scenario", as they call it, has to be solved before the technology can really be sold or used for education. This article is from March 2015. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/05/technology/solution-to-nausea-puts-virtual-reality-closer-to-market.html?_r=0 The video you provide is amazing! I hope the developers can fix all the problems and can be an available technology soon. 4. I have had to research what apps are good for my students and try to find apps that do not have links that take them out, which has been a huge problem because once they are out, they click here and there and sometimes find things they shouldn't see. Most apps have their section for more information about the developer, but once they click there and go to the app store, and click here and there, they find other things. 5. Eventually VR will take its claim and there will be hundreds of VR schools and courses.

Ana Suarez, I agree with you about the time and open platform issues with virtual reality environments. I too have taken a course that explores virtual environments, but I am not sure how common it is for K-12 schools to use a virtual world. Maybe virtual worlds may not be a good fit for all levels, but I think benefit can come at the high school level.

Juan Alvarez, you make a great point, this technology may not be ideal for all grade levels. With this technology they may need to roll it out with higher level and work down to work out the issues, so lower level grades can make a smooth transition into the technology if possible. You make an excellent point, many may not consider. Some people are sensitive to the 3D nature of virtual worlds, and this can be an issue when trying to provide instruction. This might be a difficult thing to solve as it deals with the individual perception. Virtual worlds definitely need to be refined to make it more safe with a focus on closed platform. Like you said, students are going to wander once they are out in the world, we need to be able to control how their wandering just like we do in class. I definitely think that virtual worlds will begin to incorporate themselves in school curriculums. During my exploration of Second Life, I met with the owner of a the NOVA campus science world and he mentioned how the nursing program at the college was going to begin simulated practicals using Second Life.

Most K-12 has not embraced virtual reality in the classroom. There are many great learning opportunities such as the CSI lab for science. It is yet another engaging tool to add to the K-12 arsenal of learning experiences.

I believe exposing our students to virtual worlds is beneficial for them understanding and learning at the same time. I remember an anecdote from one class that introduced the Alamo in San Antonio using SecondLife software. My students liked this trip and learned a lot. We saved time and money and were able to have students "travel" and see places that they may not be able to see in real life due to everyday expenses, obstacles, etc.

This was a great article to read and well informative. In my opinion, The vision of Project Tomorrow is ensure that today's students are well prepared to be tomorrow's innovators, leaders and engaged citizens of the world. Also, I believe that by supporting the innovative uses of science, math and technology resources in our K-12 schools and communities, students will develop the critical thinking, problem solving and creativity skills needed to compete and thrive in the 21st century.

I don't think that the comment is exaggerated. Students come to our classrooms with a knack for digital literacy. I think they are called digital natives for a reason. I agree that there is some level of frustration as we all learn to learn and incorporate these new tools into our curriculum. However, there is always a level of uneasiness as we venture into something new. If we are going to think and work outside of the box, then we have to expect some failures as we climb to the top!