Thing 19: A Tale of Two Tubes – Video Sharing in the Classroom
One of my first You Tube finds could be a good tool for helping our fourth graders better understand Boolean operators. It gives a dry, but easily understood, explanation of how to use various combinations of “and,” “or,” and “not” to define searches. Then, I stumbled across a really useful set of research videos (Part 1, Part 1A, and Part II) from @ Your Library. Using Sims characters they review how to use library resources. These will serve as a great info lit review for our fifth graders. Even though I have access to You Tube at school, I intend to use Zamzar to download videos that I will use regularly. In doing so, I will continue to have access to them if they become unavailable on You Tube and also avoid possible problems with live video streaming.
When I decided to get instructions for the fine art of tying a bow tie, I was amazed by the large number of You Tube videos that there were on the subject. After viewing several, I decided the best, for step by step instruction, was from Beau Ties, Ltd. of Vermont. Conductor Evan Bennet demonstrates the proper method and makes it look easy. Trust me, it’s not!
On a recent trip to Napa Valley, we stayed in Yountville, just around the corner from the French Laundry, a world renowned restaurant. Although we ate at many fine Napa Valley restaurants during our stay, we were not able to get reservations at The French Laundry. If you want to eat there, make your reservations well in advance. So, I located a an interview with Thomas Keller, the owner. In the video, the viewer is given a tour of the restaurant and many of his signature dishes are featured. It is almost as good as eating there…not really, but interesting, nonetheless!
Of the many videos that I viewed on Teacher Tube, the one that I found to be useful was DISCOVER Information Literacy. It is an excellent step by step method for conducting research. Although it is geared for secondary and post secondary students, its message could be adapted for upper elementary students, as well. I do hope that as more educators embark on the production of videos, production value will improve. A viewing of Matthew Needleman’s “Film School for Video Podcasters” would be instructive.
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Thanks for the link to the youtube video on boolean operators and for recommending my Film School video. I’ve also found that pwnyoutube.com to be an easier alternative to using Zamzar, by the way.