Online Videos More than Fun & Games

The last time I wrote in this space, I let you know abut goofy dances teachers have been doing with students in their classrooms -- all captured, for better or worse, on YouTube. Today, I'll share with you some online videos that feature educators in a more... well, let's just say a more mature and perhaps "professional" light.

Exhibit A: TeacherTube

Check out this YouTube-inspired video sharing Web sites for teachers, where you'll find videos designed by educators, for educators. As of December 2007, the site boasted more than 9,000 videos, which have been viewed by more than 40,000 visitors (so says the New York Daily News).

Interested in phonics, spelling, and literacy? Check out the Reading Channel. Want professional development and best practices? There's that too, plus science, math, p.e. and more. Ever found yourself wondering how to make "slime" or curious about tectonic plate boundaries? Don't worry; there are videos to help.

I wasn't able to find any Soulja Boy dance videos (most readers will find this a great relief), but I did find an example of the Alabama Coushatta War Dance, entertaining in its own right. Other videos range from silly to boring to motivational. With that said, TeacherTube isn't exempt from the goofy. As long as there are places for teachers to share their own videos, there will be gems like this one: "Mrs. Burk Perimeter Rap."