YouTube has introduced several new tools for educational video producers and educational institutions.YouTube announced today in a blog post that it is releasing an embeddable video player for educational apps that strips out promotional content, external connections, and recommendations so that users can “avoid distractions.”
YouTube’s recommendation algorithm is designed to keep you viewing and serve you fresh stuff, thus it’s likely for educational purposes that removing this feature from the player would be beneficial for students. YouTube’s recommendation algorithm has come under fire for years for its potential to spread extremist material and false information.
As a first step, the recommendation and the ad-free player will be made available to a limited number of partners in the education technology sector, such as EDpuzzle, Google Classroom, Purdue University, and Purdue Global. Some 93% of YouTube viewers now use the network to collect knowledge, whether it is for help with a home DIY project or to complete arithmetic homework.
In response, YouTube has just introduced the YouTube Player for Education, a specialized program that will let teachers show YouTube videos without adverts on select third-party apps. In addition, YouTube is now allowing qualified creators to sell courses within the app itself, for either free or a fee.
To start, Here’s What YouTube’s New Educational Player Has to Offer:
We’re creating a new YouTube embedded player, YouTube Player for Education, that will show content on popular education apps without advertisements, external connections, or recommendations to “enhance the YouTube experience in educational environments.”
So, educators may more easily integrate YouTube videos into their lessons and provide students with links to essential videos without causing unnecessary distractions.
YouTube claims it is working with EDpuzzle, Purdue University, and Purdue Global on the project’s early stages and has plans to expand its reach in the near future.
It’s also important to note that YouTube can be accessed via Google Classroom, which is utilized by over 150 million students, teachers, and school administrators across the world. YouTube claims that the new Player for Education provides upgrades to users in the classroom.
To further this goal of “providing in-depth, structured learning experiences for viewers,” YouTube will soon allow select creators to provide courses for free or for a fee.