You Tube - Really!!!! Outside the Box

With the onset of YouTube, the doors have been flung open to almost anyone to present a message, information or just gripe. Many consider this an issue with so many other things to consider rather than hearing a young man pleading for the media to "leave Brittany alone." But You Tube can also be a vehicle for enlightenment. Consider the video on the displacement of students in New Orleans; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js5P_56d1bY&feature=dir .

Here was an opportunity to let the world see the collateral damage of the devastation caused by Katrina. Rather than still pictures cataloging the damage, you hear and see the students who were affected by the immediate evacuation of their dorms. The tremor in their voices is a much more compelling attribute of having it on you tube.

You also have podcasts by ITunes that are providing students k-12 with a wealth of information that will enrich their education. It is also allowing (some may question the motive) students to post their own podcasts (with the school district's approval). So at the elementary level students are being introduced to the use of podcasts and learning a technology they are most likely already have some knowledge of (at least the viewing part).

Bottom line You Tube and other podcasting sites are a part of life today.