What is it?
At sites such as Youtube and Google Video, users are provided with a repository for self-created video works. This style of site is open to anyone and encourages social interaction through a system of ratings and comments whereby ‘popular’ or ‘most viewed’ videos may garner increased popularity or acclaim. These sites provide an ideal location to upload video for general dissemination due to their open accessibility and the videos being in a common file format.
Key Features
- Easily upload video in a variety of formats.
- Free and open to anyone.
- Community based ratings system.
Who uses it?
Individuals upload self-made videos, corporations upload advertisements for themselves, institutions upload promotional materials – virtually anyone can use Youtube/Google Video and most all demographics do.
How does it work?
After creating a free account, users can upload video from a variety of file formats, including .WMV, .AVI, .MOV, MPEG, .MP4, DivX, .FLV, .OGG, and 3GP, allowing videos to be uploaded directly from mobile phones. These videos are open to viewing by all users, who may then comment and rate them.
Things to consider before using Youtube/Google Video
- If you are simply looking for a place to host video, a blog or wiki might be a more appropriate option.
- Remember that all videos are public and all users may comment and rate them, although comments may be moderated by the video’s author.
Uses as an Instructional Technology
- Youtube and Google Video are ideal for instructional use for multimedia projects in which the goal is to provide students with the experience of producing a high-quality video for a general audience.
Resources at Wooster
- Instructional Technology provides training for the use of Youtube/Google Video.
- 7 things you should know about YouTube