YouTube in the Classroom

After learning about CIPA, deciding if YouTube should be used with students is a very difficult question because I see both sides of this debate.  I have used YouTube in the classroom because it houses many wonderful “How To” videos and videos delivering wonderful messages and concepts.  However, these great videos can be accompanied by inappropriate comments, and believe me, those types of comments do not go unnoticed by the students!  On the other hand, there are very insightful comments that add to the material and prompt lively discussions.  With that being said, I believe that YouTube should not be blocked.  As mentioned by Willard, these websites should be unblocked if approved by the teacher, after close examination of the content and comments.  It is very important for teachers to preview the material before it is presented to the class.  On some occasions, the teacher can share these videos in class and be in control of its delivery. 

In Straight from the DOE:  Dispelling Myths about Blocked Sites, I liked the idea that someone mentioned in the comments (see, they can be helpful!) that these appropriate videos could be transferred to SchoolTube for student use.  Since most of my students are older and more mature, it would be imperative to review the rules, so they could gain knowledge and understanding of appropriate use and make informed choices on appropriate and inappropriate content on the web.  In addition, it is important for educators to adhere to CIPA and their school’s policies to protect their students.

Barseghian, T.  (2011).  Straight from the DOE:  Dispelling myths about blocked sites.  Retrieved from http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2011/04/straight-from-the-doe-facts-about-blocking-sites-in-schools/

Martinez, S.  (2008).  Generation YES blog.  Retrieved from http://blog.genyes.org/index.php/2008/12/03/heavy-handed-filtering-is-a-problem-not-a-solution/