This post on ReadWriteWeb describes a casual conversation about a nine year old boy who accesses the Web through YouTube. The kid's dad says that when the kid wants information, he goes to YouTube and types in a search term. The kid then watches the videos. No Google, no other Web sites, no further searching, no other information source at all.
The author of the post does his own experiment using various terms to test YouTube as search engine. Read the post to see his conclusions.
Now admittedly, what the original kid was looking for was not "research"--he was looking for Pokemon characters or Donkey from Shrek. But what does this mean for us as teachers and librarians trying to teach research and information literacy skills? Will we face a a whole generation of kids growing up and learning about the world through YouTube? Only YouTube?
We do keep hearing that people no longer read, kids use their electronic tools for all things from communication to games, etc. People are seeking information, but through less traditional ways than print. Doug Johnson of Blue Skunk Blog has an interesting post on Libraries for a Post-Literate Society. Doug is Media Director at Mankato Schools.
Note that I love YouTube--I have spent a lot of time watching stuff like this or this. During the campaign, I looked for the speeches, debate clips--and SNL sketches. And it looks like soon we will be able to watch full-length Hollywood movies on YouTube. I have to say, though, YouTube as search engine does not thrill me. What do you think?
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2 comments:
I believe it was Neil Postman who said "Americans are being amused into stupidity." Using YouTube as you describe is not shocking. But it should be.
Ann,
I saw the video on "how to use a book" when I was in graduate school. It's great!!! I think we can all empathize with learning a new technology....especially as I try to conquer all of the bells and whistles associated with my new promethean board.
Sara @ Washburn
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