I was really not surprised to see that “Study Tubers” have become a phenomenon on YouTube. With people videoing themselves doing just about any task these days, including sleeping – why not studying too? The phenomenon of “Mukbang” videos out of Korea a number of years ago or even “coffee shop ambience” videos highlights the enormous market for these types of videos.
Benefits for Viewers: My personal belief is that most viewers of “study tubing” videos would be seeking to lessen their loneliness, and increase their motivation. Prior to the pandemic, school was a highly social and structured learning environment. In the years since the pandemic began, many students who would not have chosen to learn at home on their own have been forced into the position. Students have had to learn new study habits, have had to become more responsible for using their time wisely, and have had to learn in social isolation. To me, this could explain the recent rise in popularity of videos addressing all of these changes to the learning environment. Some students may actively search out best practices or “hacks” and will look at other students to see how they have been successful. Others may feel the need for someone else to tell them when they should be taking a break. Much of the time, students may simply want to feel like they are not the only person in the room.
Benefits of Videoing: It is an interesting idea to have students video themselves studying. For the age of students that I teach, I would not have them record long segments of studying, nor would I have them record video that shows their face. With the camera set up to exclude the student’s face, students could video themselves demonstrating various simple study skills or memorization techniques. This could be useful for a class that is struggling with memorizing times tables, or spelling words for instance. Also, a video showing a student reading silently in a comfy chair might motivate other reluctant or distracted readers. A short and simple assignment like this could motivate students to try out and learn new study skills, and perhaps to check out some of the “Study Tubers” already out there. I am interested in trying out these ideas in my own traditional classroom environment.
