BP9_2009102_Web2.0(SchoolTube.com)

http://www.schooltube.com/

SchoolTube is like YouTube, but created specifically for the field of education. This website provides students and educators a safe and free way to share media through a website. Because SchoolTube is moderated by teachers, all of the student-created materials must be approved by registered teachers, follow local school guidelines, and adhere to SchoolTube’s standards. This website blocks out inappropriate content making it appropriate and safe for school use.

SchoolTube targets students, teachers, principals, parents, school boards, and IT managers. Through SchoolTube, students are able to share media from school, and showcase academic, sports, or club events. It allows teachers the ability to share teacher approved media from their classroom, integrate technology into the curriculum, learn from recognized educational leaders, and share concepts and lesson plans with other teachers across the nation. Principals are able to keep up with national educational organizations and activities, and post welcome videos or pictures from their building administrators for parents and students. Parents will find that SchoolTube allows their kids to share media in a safe environment, and that they can use this site to keep up with what is happening in their child’s school.

The possibilities for using this site in my classroom are endless! Last year, my students created songs and raps about the digestive system. I recorded the videos and uploaded them our classroom blog. Prior to uploading, I researched various portals trying to find one that would be safe for student use. I wish I had found this one! This year, when my students do this project, we will use SchoolTube to post our finished products. I could also use this site to show my students examples of videos created by students. Along with this, I could have my students create their own channel and we could post all of the work we produce on that channel as a portfolio of their school year.

There are many educational benefits that this tool provides. First, it reaches all types of learners, visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Second, it familiarizes students with Web 2.0 technology and allows them to become producers of their own ‘network’. As a result, students are able to problem-solve and think critically about ways to present research. Another educational benefit is that it affords students time to collaborate with each other throughout the creation of a project and gives them a chance to analyze the works of other students. I can’t wait to try this tool in my classroom!

References

SchoolTube.com Staff. (2009). SchoolTube. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from http://www.schooltube.com/