Kids find some of these 5-minute clips more informative than their textbooks. Some kids have even been found to be online teaching themselves subjects unavailable at school.
But the question has to be, are YouTube Videos a reliable form of education? Is the content verified? Is it valid? How do you know the good ones from the bad ones?
User-generated content is on the rise thanks to social media platforms, giving individuals the power to create and share their own stories and experiences. This shift has resulted in a more democratic landscape where traditional gatekeepers have less control over what is seen or heard. However, it has also presented challenges in quality control, authenticity, and credibility. This trend reflects a societal shift towards participatory culture, where individuals want an active role in shaping their own identities.
Yesterday, walking through the Pump Room Gardens in Leamington Spa, I stumbled upon their EcoFest 2023 day activities, advertised as – ‘learn more about how you can decrease your carbon footprint, increase your healthy eating & step outside more to explore beautiful local green spaces. Good for us, good for the planet.’