Great YouTube Channels for Teachers
July 15, 2015For teaching techniques, resources, strategies, tips and more.
July 15, 2015
By Rebekah Schilperoort
Video can be a powerful and engaging tool in the classroom, ideal for getting students excited about a new lesson or concept. They can spark discussion, introduce different viewpoints and provide valuable real-world context.
The amount of educational resources on YouTube for teachers is growing every day, providing opportunities for educators to curate their own playlists of informational videos that can help students learn. But sifting through the thousands of educational channels can be challenging, so we've simplified things with this handy list of the best resources on YouTube for teachers.
1. Edutopia
Edutopia, also a website covering “what works in K-12 education,” has a YouTube channel that offers helpful videos on a variety of education-centric topics, such as project-based learning, education leadership, teacher development and much more. The channel features several video series, such as Schools That Work, which focuses on evidence-based strategies teachers can implement in their own classrooms. The Five Keys series examines the five core elements of successful and engaging project-based learning.
Follow: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+
2. TED-Ed
The TED-Ed YouTube channel, and corresponding website, was conceived from TED’s mission of spreading great ideas and knowledge on a variety of topics with people from around the world. TED-Ed is devoted to offering educational “lessons worth sharing” through two types of lessons. Original lessons are collaborations between expert educators, screenwriters and animators which magnify an idea suggested by the TED community. Or users can create their own lessons by adding questions and topics of discussion to any video on YouTube. Both types can be used to supplement larger lesson plans and spark creativity and ideas among learners of all ages.
Follow: Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+
3. PBS LearningMedia™
PBS LearningMedia™ is focused on providing educators with the latest strategies, tools and resources for successful digital learning. On its YouTube channel and website, educators and students will find resources across all grade levels and subjects that fit national and common core state standards to help teachers drive innovation in their classrooms.
Follow: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+
Tip: Don't Allow Students to Roam YouTube Freely:
Provide a clear path for how students should use specific videos to avoid stumbling across inappropriate material or veering from the learning path.
4. THNKR
THNKR is a great resource to expose students to diverse ideas, people and stories “that will change your mind.” Through four original video series, students can explore groundbreaking books, innovative ideas from thought leaders, insightful speeches and the lives and teachings of today’s brightest prodigies.
Follow: Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Google+
5. Big Think
Big Think explores big ideas with engaging content around core skills that encourage students to ask questions. There are thousands of videos on the YouTube channel and even more resources on BigThink.com—articles, experts and more. Information is curated from some of the world’s top speakers and experts, such as Bill Nye and Bill Clinton.
Follow: Twitter, Facebook, Google+
6. TeachingChannel
Through interactive education videos, the YouTube TeachingChannel strives to create content for teachers to learn new and diverse techniques that facilitate student learning and growth. The focus is on creating approaches that spur self-reflection and analysis. Learn more at TeachingChannel.org.
Follow: Twitter, Facebook, Google+
Related story: Top Twitter Chats for Teachers
7. Education
The Education channel is auto-generated by YouTube to curate a diverse set of educational videos for teachers and students. Within the channel, you’ll find helpful videos from trusted sources like PBS and TED Talks on science, history, geography, technology and much more. Also, check out the Teachers YouTube channel.
8. Buck Institute for Education
The Buck Institute for Education (BIE) channel aims to help teachers prepare students for successful lives and careers through project-based learning resources, practices and products. Teachers can discover how to design and manage projects, while schools can get help with project-based learning practices across all grade levels and subject areas. Learn more at bie.org.
Follow: Twitter, Facebook, Google+
9. Khan Academy
Khan Academy operates on the philosophy that “you can learn anything,” and with the non-profit’s YouTube channel and website, you can do it all for free. Students, teachers and parents of all ages get access to world-class education that includes exercises and instructional videos—all designed to help you learn at your own pace across any subject and grade level.
Follow: Twitter, Facebook, Google+
10. Bozeman Science
Paul Andersen—a high school teacher and 2011 Montana Teacher of the Year—provides short lessons on everything from photosynthesis and evolution to fundamental particles and chemical analysis.
Follow: Twitter, Facebook, Google+
Honorable mentions:
Smithsonian: The Smithsonian— consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research facilities—is the world's largest museum and research complex. Learn from their experts in art, design, history, culture, science and technology.
YouTube for Schools: Sign up your school and get access to thousands of free high-quality educational videos on YouTube. Learn more about how it works.
YouTube/Teachers: Tips and tricks for teachers on how to use YouTube in the classroom. The channel boasts more than 400 playlists aligned with Common Core.
American Museum of Natural History: A behind the scenes look with researchers at exhibits, collections and field work.
National Geographic: Videos focused on conservation, science and more.
Yale Courses: Provides free entry into the prestigious university's classrooms and academic programs, including complete sets of lectures from the Open Yale Courses initiative.
Common Sense Education: News, tips, advice, curriculum and professional development resources for educators who want to integrate technology in the classroom.
Intelligence Squared: Premier forum for debate.
GET THE LATEST FROM MILKEN:
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Follow us on Instagram
Don’t miss any new articles and updates from Milken Educator Awards: