Humans enjoy learning through both the auditory and visual modes because they arouse our interests, motivate us, and inspire our emotions. I have searched such varied topics as how to tie a Windsor knot, how to make a perfect omelette, or how to take a screen shot on my Mac. Of course, links are essential to the success of YouTube. Part of its brilliance is the list of related links that pop up when you watch any video. By perusing these similar or connected videos, the community of followers multiplies, creating the phenomenon of ‘going viral’ that we have now adopted into our everyday vocabulary. The social impact of YouTube has been immeasurable. Music artists, such as Justin Beiber, were discovered after posting simple home videos that went viral. Other sensations, such as Gangnam Style by the Korean artist PSY, or animal voice-overs have created a stir or become a trend as people discovered the novelty of the idea and shared it with friends by word of mouth or through links posted.
YouTube has also infiltrated our need to know at home and in schools. The connection with TedTalks has led to a steady stream of informative, educational speeches by such experts as Susan Cain, Brene Brown, and Sir Ken Robinson. You Tube has extended its reach into our schools by launching extensions such as YouTubeEDU. Students love having YouTube moments at school to enjoy videos related to the curriculum. They would convince you to let them watch the stream of related videos for hours, if you let them. YouTube appears to be here to stay. I would continue to discuss the wonders of video sharing, but I need to go help my son find the answers to conjugating French pronominal verbs.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube#Social_impact (accessed 10/28/12)
Image credit:https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3480229281204823274#overview/postNum=0 (accessed 10/29/12)
Hi Diana. How have I missed your blog until now? I was so engaged in your blog post 3 that I was going to comment on that one instead. Thank you for your personal point of view, your extensive links and engaging style. I even got caught up in your friend's organizing site. I can't wait to explore the Australian student leadership initiatives. Linda Yollis has made a great video about students learning through blogging. Have you seen it? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96BKbLBbUiM
ReplyDeleteYou have captured so much of the essence of YouTube and its impact on our information flow.
Love your final French comment, too. Thanks for expanding my knowledge.