Video Vagabond- Combing YouTube

I've only used YouTube once or twice....a day. It is where I go when I don't know how to do something. Most recently I learned how to install a ceiling fan and garbage disposal, make tamales, meal prep like a pro, and organize my home at the dollar store. Plus, I love spending my episodes of insomnia watching cat videos, which by the way, if you haven't seen it yet, (and you enjoy music, or cats, or music AND cats) watch my favorite video by Kiffness, et al. Back to the topic at hand:

For this exploration I will be searching YouTube for videos and channels that focus on specific topics:

• Using Twitter and Twitter Tools

• Teaching and Learning with Technology

• Using Web 2.0 for Learning

• Integrating Technology in the Mathematics Classroom

and my personal choice;

• Strategies for Supporting Students with ADHD

My search of these topics returned an exorbitant number of videos and channels which made it difficult to decide where to start, but energizing because of the potential professional development available through this platform. Here is some of what I found:

Using Twitter and Twitter Tools

I was a bit disappointed by this search. I found a plethora of videos which mostly covered basic functions such as changing your Twitter handle, setting a profile picture, following people, sending DM's etc., and then there was the great number of videos created by social media coaches selling their services to help improve your Twitter marketing and attracting more followers. I did find an interesting video from YouTube creator Ashni titled "50 Mindblowing Twitter Tips in 10 Minutes". This video is a compilation of tips from Twitter users for creating a better profile, promoting your Twitter account, gaining followers, and more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTe4GQb6wkw

Watching this video has made me excited about improving my Twitter account and habits; I will be working on this in the near future.

Teaching and Learning with Technology

This search yielded too many enlightening videos to count. The overreaching central point is: Integrating technology into the classroom isn't about what you use, but how and why you use it. The key to successful technology integration in the classroom is purposeful, strategic planning which will lead to improved student engagement, enjoyment, and learning, as well as initiating a pedagogical shift towards constructivism. Watching the older videos was very nostalgic, and left me wondering if the person making the "vlog" had any idea how drastically technology would progress in just a few years. SIDE NOTE: It was endearing to see how many of the "Technology Instructional Specialists" struggled with operating Windows XP, and navigating the internet.

Using Web 2.0 for Learning

I found this search enriching because of the amount of teachers who are posting about the Web 2.0 tools they are using their classroom. These videos introduced me to tools that I have never seen before, ideas for integrating these technologies into meaningful learning experiences, and examples of finished student-made products and teacher-created learning tasks. The most helpful video that I found was created by integratED Teacher titled "30 Free EdTech Tools for Teachers | 2022 Edition", which also provides an opportunity for teachers to download a pdf that contains the list of technologies that are discussed in the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrQXOglmUds

This video above has renewed my interest and passion for technology integration into my own classroom. I have seen new technologies that are available, their possibilities, and started planning creative ways to transition the students from explicit instruction to student-centered project-based learning.

Integrating Technology in the Mathematics Classroom

Believe it or not integrating technology into the math classroom has been a passion of mine since my undergrad studies. You can view my senior project, a compilation of research about the digital learner, the necessity of integrating technology in education, and several tools available to teachers (at the time of printing in 2014) by clicking this link. Many of the videos that focused on math specifically emphasized the importance of integration, the how/why of integrating technology into math classrooms, the danger of waning student interest in STEM subjects, and the effects it will have on our future society. I found the general search of "integrating web 2.0 into the classroom" more fruitful and informative.

Strategies for Supporting Students with ADHD

As a parent and educator of neurodivergent children this search offered a unique opportunity for me to gain valuable tools and insight into the ADHD brain. The first video that I found helpful as a teacher (but reinforced my inferences about my own child) was made by ADDitude Magazine titled, "Teaching Students with ADHD: Commonly Misunderstood Symptoms". As a parent, I become frustrated (not mention a feeling of powerlessness) when my child's teacher calls home multiple times a week to complain about inattentiveness, "laziness", rule breaking, distractibility, emotional dysregulation, etc. It is my opinion that every teacher should receive training on working with and making effective accommodations for neurodivergent children. Another video that I watched was presented by an individual who was diagnosed autistic/ADHD as a young child, was insightful about the statistics involving neurodivergent children/students, life experiences of, and adversities faced by neurodivergent individuals. These videos made me think about my own parenting and teaching, and forced me to realize that though I know how to work with my son and other neurodivergent children, I will never be able to empathize, and that it is my responsibility to spread knowledge in my sphere of influence about the neurodivergent student, and how to effectively teach, mentor, and defend each affected individual.

After this YouTube search I have come to the conclusion that I have not been utilizing this tool to its fullest capacity. This is a spectacular tool that I will be using in my classroom next year. My intention is to design activities that will allow students to investigate topics, and create sharable content (products) to demonstrate learning. I am considering a class YouTube channel for my students to upload their creations, but I must first check the rules for displaying student work online.