Utilization of YouTube as an information resource to support university courses

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions, attitudes and experiences of undergraduate students related to the use of YouTube as an information resource to support their learning. The use of YouTube by professors for course activities is also examined. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative research design based on a survey method was used by using a questionnaire tool. The collected data were analyzed using frequency and simple percentage. The sample comprises undergraduate students from the College of Computer and Information. Findings The general results reveal that the use of YouTube in the classroom influences student engagement. Students’ understanding of the importance of YouTube was determined in this study. However, professors do not seem to have positive attitudes towards incorporating YouTube into course activities. Originality/value The application of social media tools in Saudi Arabia is unclear because of the lack of studies that focus on the use of video-sharing websites by university students. This paper is the first of its kind conducted to explore the use of YouTube in the academic environment as an information resource to support university courses.