Hello, Youtube! Welcome to Fremd.

[Carly Mckay]

 

I never thought I would see the day. The people in charge of District 211 have finally seen the light. In case you haven’t already noticed, there has been an extremely exciting new addition to the websites accessible at school. This sacred vessel that is home to millions of videos ranging in all genres is now perfectly acceptable to use at Fremd. Youtube has made its way into the education system. If this isn’t a sign that times are changing, I don’t know what is. Pretty soon, Facebook and Twitter will also be permitted websites to be used on school grounds. Not that I am opposing the new found Youtube at Fremd, I’m just curious as to why?

 

I mean, I guess I understand, Youtube, if used in the right way, can be seen as learning and teaching tool. I think it’s hard for teens and kids in this day of age to grasps this idea. When we normally go on Youtube, we look for funny, homemade videos, movie clips, pop culture updates, or the hottest new music video. Althought Youtube is mostly used for fun and entertainment; I am guilty of also using it for educational purposes. For example, if I really don’t understand a math lesson, I go home and Youtube the name of the lesson. In a matter of seconds, I have a video of another teacher teaching me in a whole new way (that actually makes sense to me). I now understand my math homework and the best part? It was easy- and free. I understand that Youtube can be helpful to students, but I myself am shocked that the district is actually allowing access to the site. I mean it is nearly impossible to monitor how every student is using the website. Maybe it is just a temporary thing? Maybe they are looking at how we use the new resource? Who knows? I just thought it was a very interesting new development in our Fremd current events. To be honest, I love it- watching funny videos during photo class down time is what gets me through the school day.

Things to ponder: Why do you think we are now allowed access to Youtube at Fremd? Do you think students are using it in an educational way? 

 

My favorite part about Youtube :) the non educational part. 

[Michael Bachrodt]

This is Mr. Bachrodt, the Technology Coordinator for Fremd.

 

YouTube was opened for students because teachers kept letting me and the administration know how much they are using it with their classes for educational purposes. I've noticed a big change in the way our Administration is thinking about Social Media over the last few years and expect more changes to come. For example, while the use of cell phones is  prohibited, in general, by District 211 policy, their use is allowed in the classroom if the teacher has a lesson where they are to be used. Plus, if students want to use them to look up information during class, why not? This is fine. 

 

What's next? Facebook? Twitter? We'll see. Teachers need to keep letting me and the administration know what great things they are doing with Social media and other technologies and how these are impacting their teaching and your learning. I am excited about these changes. As Mr. Anderson, says,  "Prohibiting the use of any technology platform is less effective than making it available, setting reasonable policies for its use, and then providing consequences for those who choose not to follow the policies." It's all about educating teachers and students about the proper use of technology in school. This is key.

 

 The D211 Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is being looked at right now. It needs an update to make allowances for the way you learn, and that's with Social Media, apps, your phones, etc. Please feel free to drop me a note or stop by to discuss how you envision technology being used at Fremd and in D211.

 

[Aricela Marquez]

Oddly enough Youtube is used in sooo many ways inside the classroom. Just this year I had at least three projects that involved using Youtube. Teacher and students both use it educationally, but sometimes we get carried away when bored and use it for entertainment. But honestly there is nothing wrong with that. Youtube filters their videos so we should be able to handle what is on there as High School students.

[Joaquin Zuniga]

I am so glad that finally they allowed YouTube at D211! I think it is awesome of them, but redundant since I have seen many of my teachers yelling at students to get off YouTube. I also enjoy being able to watch videos on my phone wifi as well. The addition of GUESTD211 was awesome as well now that students can't abuse google.com anymore even though there are ways to bypass it.

[Keely Ward]

So many teachers use youtube everyday. In pretty much all my classes except math, they can be used as great visual aids. I think youtube is unrestricted now because if our teachers can use it to teach us why should we not be allowed to use it in schools. Also, school is busy enough as it is I rarely see kids on their ipods or in the library watching youtube videos. I don't think that will be too much of a concern.

[Ashlyn Jensen]

I know I dont really use youtube for any educational purposes. Like if theres a song I want to listen to I would more likely use youtube to look that up than use it to help me w/ a math equation. And i dont see that as a problem, I mean it's not like Im looking up anything illegal. Plus I know theres people that do use for educaational purposes, so I know its helpful ffor them.

[JohnPaulus V Arcangel]

Knowledge, comes at a price. No matter how useful, or how useless it is. How we use that knowledge, for good, or bad that makes a difference.

I'm glad that youtube was unblocked. I use it too to get help on a bunch of stuff at school. I'm a bit iffy on facebook.twitter tho because unlike youtube, facebook/twiter was meant to socialize, not broadcast. Not many people I know go on facebook to search up how to finish a math problem, or pick up on some history facts.

[Kaity Drahos]

YouTube is so helpful in school! I use it all the time in Preschool Lab to show videos of activities or other kids videos and before it was accessible, it was such a pain. I understand some kids will use it innappropriately, but for now I'm glad we have it and I really hope it stays!

[Alanna Krivanek]

Youtube could be very helpful in school, but only a couple of my teachers use it. But i also think many students are also going to use it in the wrong way and just watch videos for fun.

[sabrina nash]

youtube is extremly helpful to have at school now. although i do use it for other reasons besides education, i really do also use it for school whether its for a ning blog or informative things related to a school subject. other students do misuse it and even if a teacher shows a quick clip in the classroom, it is way easier to click the next 'related video' to get the teacher off task.

[Justin Park]

Love the vid!!!!! I got to say I am really enjoying the Youtube at our school. I use Youtube just to watch funny videos mainly, as a school resource I didnt know any way to utilize it until now. So thanks for the tip! I cant wait tto see what Fremd allows next!