YouTube

Tool Summary #

YouTube is the world’s largest video content platform, and is owned and operated by Google inc. YouTube features free to watch videos on nearly every topic – both for entertainment and education. Users can also create their own profile and channel, where they can upload videos, share said videos with viewers, and comment on other videos if they so desire.

Quick Facts #

• Price: Free
• Platforms: Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile
• Recommended For: Nearly everyone

Things to know #

YouTube has several uses for the average viewer, content creators, and in an educational setting. Users are able to search for publicly available videos and comment on them. YouTube can also be used in a class setting (i.e. a student can record a video on their phone or laptop and upload it on YouTube). Professors can use YouTube to give students more options for turning in assignments (i.e. write about a topic or record yourself talking about a topic and upload it as a video), to augment lecture and textbook material, or even as the basis for the class in creative cases.

When uploading videos, it is important to pay attention to the visibility settings of the video. A video can be set to Public, in which case anyone can search for or view it; Unlisted, where it can’t be searched for and can only be viewed with a link to the URL; or Private, where it can only be viewed by you.

Getting Started Guides #

YouTube Basics Step-by-Step: Creating a Channel, Uploading a Video, Editing, and Captioning

UMW Speaking Center’s Using YouTube for Class guide

Additional Resources #

Screen-Cast-O-Matic (Screen and Webcam recorder)

YouTube Help Community

YouTube Support and help page

Need Help? #

Have questions about this tool? Book an appointment with a DKC consultant!