Module 5

A technology that I am interested in is YouTube. As previously, mentioned millennial students are accustomed to using technology to enhance their learning. Millennials view YouTube not only for entertainment purposes but to learn new skills and procedures. Educators that utilize and support services like YouTube and podcasting are allowing people to share and generate information with the rest of the word (Fleck, Beckman, Sterns & Hussey, 2014). YouTube videos, allow students to acquire new knowledge at their pace. Educators may choose to use YouTube videos to supplement class content or to demonstrate new concepts. For example, in nursing a teacher may decide to use a YouTube video to explore topics that students might not encounter during everyday clinical rotations (Fleck et al., 2014).

Some challenges to utilizing YouTube, include internet connection and obtaining credible information. The educator typically links a YouTube video in a PowerPoint, before showing the video the education must make sure that the link works and that the video has a quality picture and sound. According to Fleck et al., (2014), even though “showing videos better connects to digital natives and bridges the gaps with non-traditional students, faculty should ensure the relevancy and the learning potential of videos” (p. 26). The educator should make sure that the video will help the students meet learning objectives. Benefits of using Youtube includes supporting different learning styles of the students and incorporating technology that millennials students enjoy. Some students are visual learners, utilizing videos support that learning style. YouTube also makes learning accessible at any time. The students can access Youtube from their mobile devices at their convenience. In an article by Keskin and Metcalf (2011), they describe mobile learning as portable, ubiquitous and easily accessible and used by many people. It is apparent that YouTube enhances learning and teaching strategies.

I would use YouTube to help students learn new skills and procedures. YouTube videos can be used to demonstrate step-by- step procedures that help students learn to process information. Once the student has processed the information they can recall the information for future events. Authors Fleck et al., (2014), explain that the use of multimedia tools in the medical field increases student engagement and retention. Multimedia tools are also beneficial when students are required to retain large amounts of information. Students can refer to multimedia instructions as often as they like and at their pace. YouTube encourages students to take ownership of learning. I would sustain this technology by frequently reviewing videos on and making sure that the content is up to date. I would only select quality videos to present to my class. I would also make sure that the link works before attempting to show the class. It is also important to make sure that the internet works in the classroom so that I could access the video for the students. The use of YouTube helps address the diverse needs of learners by demonstrating step-by-procedures and explaining the rationale for nursing actions. In addition to using the videos available on YouTube, it is my goal someday to make a video and share the contents on YouTube.

References:

Fleck, B.K.B., Beckman, L.M., Sterns, J.L., & Hussey, H.D. (2014). YouTube in the classroom: Helpful tips and student perceptions. The Journal of Effective Teaching 14(3), 21-37.

Keskin, N.O., & Metcalf, D. (2011). The current perspectives, theories ad practices of mobile

learning. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology 10(2), 202-208.