An Examination of Undergraduate Student’s Perceptions and Predilections of the Use of YouTube in the Teaching and Learning Process

Abstract

Pervasive social networking and media sharing technologies have augmented perceptual understanding and information gathering and, while text-based resources have remained the standard for centuries, they do not appeal to the hyper-stimulated visual learners of today. In particular, the research suggests that targeted YouTube videos enhance student engagement, depth of understanding, and overall satisfaction in higher education courses.In order to investigate student perceptions and preferences regarding the implications of You-Tube, a study was conducted at a Mid-Atlantic minority serving institution that examined student opinions regarding the usage of YouTube videos to augment instruction in online and classroombased courses. According to the findings, use of YouTube in the teaching and learning process enhances instruction with students most likely to visit video sharing services from mobile devices. Further, length has an impact on student decisions whether or not to watch a video, and course delivery format impacts length and audio preferences. Finally, there is no relationship between personal use of social media and the perceived value of the use of YouTube in the instructional process.

Students' perception in the use of self-made YouTube videos in teaching Mathematics

“…Although the percentage is not as high as in some other studies (e.g. [17], [18]), it still shows a high exposure of students to YouTube as an Educational tool. Also, among the participants who had not searched and watched YouTube videos for learning Mathematics, 62% found YouTube resources useful for learning Mathematics.…”

Stand Up Comics: Instructional Humor and Student Engagement

“…In fact, research suggests that content and humor targeted YouTube videos enhance student engagement, depth of understanding, and overall satisfaction in higher education courses (Buzzetto-More, 2014). In this same study, "70.7% of participants surveyed "agreed/strongly agreed" the use of YouTube as a learning tool engages students" (p. 25).…”

“EVERYONE’S A COMEDIAN.” NO REALLY, THEY ARE: Using Humor in the Online and Traditional Classroom

“…By embedding links from sources, even those as common as YouTube, instructors can display the ability to connect and engage students with the course material in a humorous context. In fact, some research suggests content and humor oriented YouTube videos enhance student engagement, depth of understanding, and overall satisfaction in higher education courses (Buzzetto-More, 2014). In this same study, "70.7% of participants surveyed 'agreed/strongly agreed' the use of YouTube as a learning tool engages students" (2014, p. 26).…”