Social Media Taking Over the World – Part 2: YouTube
April 1, 2009
YouTube, the social media phenomenon that allows you to “broadcast yourself” has mainstreamed video sharing across the world! Currently we take video sharing for granted, but prior to YouTube streaming video was expensive, timely, and difficult to do. Now there are multiple platforms available to broadcast videos and create personal channels including YouTube, Viddler and Vimeo, to name a few. For purposes of this post I will stick with YouTube.
It was not until recently I realized the power behind the YouTube Phenomenon. For example, Soulja Boy was discovered in March 2007 from a rap video called “Crank That” which he made in his home studio and uploaded to YouTube . You can find 100′s of videos of people emulating the Souljah Boy dance including one of MIT professors and another of Prisoners in the Philippines. By May 2007 he had a record deal with his song reaching #4 on the Billboard charts and a Grammy Nomination. Another recent discovery on YouTube was Arnel Pineda, who had posted videos on YouTube oh himself singing Journey cover songs. Journeys talent agent came across Pinedas videos and quickly asked him to join the band as the new lead singer!
So what does this mean for Higher Education? Dr. Mike Wesch teaches a class at Kansas State University that requires students to interact with YouTube. His presentation at the Library of Congress is a must watch, and of course is broadcasted on YouTube. It is an Anthropological look at YouTube that explores the connectedness, culture, and power of this medium. If you have spent limited time on YouTube you will quickly discover how everyone can have a voice and be heard by the world.
Many departments across campus could benefit from video technology such as YouTube. Admissions Offices can actively attract prospective students and provide a better snapshot of their campus experience by posting videos of student life, campus tours and student testimonials. Campus administrators can also use YouTube to broadcast weekly or monthly addresses to the campus. How many campuses feel there are communication problems from administration to staff, or staff to students? This is an easy (and free) method of increasing communication on campus.
Create a video year book and document sporting event, guest speakers, concerts, and other memories you want to capture and share for the year. Kudos to the Universities that have created their own YouTube Channel and started putting content on there, but this is just the beginning.
What are additional ways YouTube can be used in the classroom or on campus? How do you Use it now?
