By Joseph D’Andrea
In a time when technology dominates much of our lives, it is not uncommon for many to take that fact for granted. Taking advantage of as much as the Internet has to offer to us, especially for those of a younger age, can be very beneficial in the long run. Especially for students, a roadblock that often emerges is a lack of engagement and interest in a certain subject. Thankfully, there are thousands upon thousands of websites, YouTube channels and podcasts dedicated to educating people of all ages, learning preferences and interests.
From YouTubers who make educational parody songs about United States history, to more professional outlets such as Khan Academy, there is a plethora of resources at the disposal of anybody willing to seek them out. Students, in particular, should pay attention to these educational aids, as it can lead to a more efficient process of cognitive development. This is significant more than ever, with Generation Z being the most visual generation, and so this age group’s sensibility to videos already works to their benefit.
“Educators, students and parents all agree on the effectiveness of online videos as a teaching-learning tool,” wrote Arizona State University in “Benefits of Using YouTube For Your Online Education.” “When the learning experience is memorable and effective, retention and engagement rates are increased to boost the overall effectiveness of an online lecture or course.”
When asked whether Adelphi students used resources such as YouTube or podcasts to aid in their learning, every participant at least responded that they did so from time-to-time, with 38 percent answering with a confident “yes.”
It is well known how widespread and essential the usage of technology was during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the reality of students, K-12 and college-aged, does not mean that the tool of videos and other audiovisual mediums have to be sidelined now that the impact of the virus is no longer in full force.
College students are most likely aware of channels such as the PBS-owned Crash Course, which they may have even been shown in class. It’s a show that covers a vast range of topics for students of all majors. Some other channels that provide useful educational information include Frontline PBS (current events), The Organic Chemistry Tutor (mathematics, science), podcasts by Noiser (history), as well as short-form videos such as those by PragerU (history, politics, economics) and One-Minute Economics.
Yet another advantageous aspect of online videos is that closed captioning can be useful to both those who digest information easier through written words, and helpful to those who are hearing-impaired or may not speak English in an online space such as YouTube, which is dominated by English-speaking channels. Additionally, there are also resources that can be found right here at Adelphi, which also provides online options.
“The main resource I use is the Learning Resource Program,” said sophomore communications major Jamie Gesell. “I use it because it helps me with any assignments I need help with, as well as picking out classes for each semester.”
Adelphi University’s web page for this service reads: “We work with students to enhance self-advocacy skills, providing an important link with supportive faculty and staff across campus.” The advantage of having resources such as this, as well as others like Adelphi’s Writing Center, which can also be accessed online, is there is always support to be provided for students in need.
Furthermore, for college students, there is more to learn beyond their own studies as they work towards completed credits for their major; many students 18 and older now have more adult responsibilities, and either have a desire or are required to grasp a more wide-ranging perspective of reality. Luckily, there are a wide variety of content creators who host podcasts and make videos that provide advice for those who are currently entering a new and exciting, but nevertheless stressful, stage of their life.
Between the numerous interactive websites, YouTube channels and podcasts online, there is most likely at least one suitable resource for all students of any learning style.