30 Days of Google Classroom: A Guide for Future Educators

Day 23: Google Classroom & YouTube – Enhancing Lessons with Video

Introduction

Video is a powerful educational tool that can increase engagement, explain complex concepts, and provide real-world context for students. By integrating YouTube with Google Classroom, educators can create dynamic, multimedia-rich lessons that cater to different learning styles.

In this guide, we’ll explore best practices for using YouTube in Google Classroom, how to embed videos into assignments, and strategies for ensuring safe and effective video use.

Why Use YouTube in Google Classroom?

✔ Visual Learning – Helps students grasp difficult concepts through animation, real-world examples, and demonstrations.
✔ Engagement & Accessibility – Captions, subtitles, and transcripts support diverse learning needs.
✔ Flexibility – Videos can be assigned for asynchronous learning or class discussions.
✔ Global Learning Resources – Access free, high-quality content from educational YouTube channels.

💡 Tip: Encourage students to pause, rewind, and rewatch videos to reinforce learning at their own pace.

How to Add YouTube Videos in Google Classroom

1. Posting a Video as an Assignment or Material

Open Google Classroom and go to the Classwork tab.
Click Create > Assignment or Material.
Click Add > YouTube.
Search for a video or paste a YouTube link.
Click Add and then Assign or Post.

💡 Tip: Use “Material” for instructional videos that don’t require student submissions.

2. Embedding Videos in Google Docs or Slides

In Google Docs: Paste a YouTube link and instruct students to watch before answering questions.
In Google Slides: Click Insert > Video > YouTube, then resize and position the video.

💡 Tip: Use timestamps in video links (e.g., ?t=120s) to direct students to specific sections.

Best Practices for Using YouTube in the Classroom

1. Choose High-Quality Educational Content

Use trusted channels like Khan Academy, TED-Ed, CrashCourse, or National Geographic.
Watch the full video before sharing to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.
Avoid overly long videos; 5–10 minutes is ideal for focus.

2. Encourage Active Viewing

Assign guided questions for students to answer while watching.
Use YouTube’s transcript feature for reading along.
Have students create their own summary videos using Screencastify or Flipgrid.

3. Keep Video Use Safe & Distraction-Free

Enable restricted mode on YouTube to filter inappropriate content.
Use Google Classroom’s YouTube embed to avoid unrelated video suggestions.
Consider downloading videos or using Google Drive uploads if YouTube access is restricted.

💡 Tip: If YouTube is blocked at school, try Edpuzzle to embed interactive quizzes within videos.

Alternative Ways to Use Video in Google Classroom

✔ Record your own lessons – Use Loom, Screencastify, or Google Meet recordings to create custom video content.
✔ Student-Created Videos – Let students present projects using video submissions.
✔ Flipped Classroom Approach – Assign video lessons for homework and discuss in class.
✔ Virtual Field Trips – Take students on digital explorations with YouTube documentaries.

What’s Next?

Now that you know how to enhance lessons with video, in Day 24, we’ll explore Facilitating Group Work & Collaboration with Google Docs & Slides.

How do you use YouTube videos in your teaching? Share your favorite strategies in the comments!