YouTube as source of English Language Learning

M.A. ELT Semester 1

Aligarh Muslim University

Seminar presentation skills

Paper code:ETM1171

Topic: YouTube as a source of English Language Learning.

NAME: MOHD ANAS

M.A. ELT 1SEM

CLASS ROLL NUMBER: 21ELMAA101

Enrolment Number:Gk0425

Name Of The Supervisor

DR.SUNIJ KUMAR SHARMA

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, AMU

Abstract: the aim of this paper is to introduce a new source of English Language Learning.
English is not confined to native speaker it has become a global language or lingua franca. Many
people use it in non native countries for different purposes. People learn it inside classroom or
outside classroom. In this era there is remarkable use of social media and internet YouTube is
one of them. YouTube is not only used for entertainment but also educational purposes. In this
paper, it is Analysed that how people think about it as source of English Language Learning in
terms of content reliability, authenticity, Validity and measuring motivation levels of YouTube
learners. A survey was conducted through Google forms over WhatsApp having 9 questions to
find out this information. It is concluded that YouTube is a good source of English language
learning alongside it can be helpful in class but the content on YouTube is not sufficient for
learning in-depth.

Keywords: YouTube, English language learning, material, YouTube videos, skills

Society is rapidly becoming a global village as a result of increasing globalisation. In our world,
people speak a variety of languages. A common language is essential to minimise the
communication boundaries that exist between so many countries. It is generally spoken in
almost 105 countries around the world. English is not confined to one particular area it is
essential in business, engineering, education, and medicine. It has become the lingua franca of
many people around the world, and it is no longer limited to English speakers. It is undeniably
the world language. United Nations Organization possess English as an official language. The
majority of occupations in the world require a strong command of the English language. At the
International level of interviews desire to communicate you flawlessly and with fluency and
accuracy.
YouTube as source of English Language Learning

When people desire to use the English language, they learn the language. Language skills and
language systems are frequently discussed in language learning. Speaking, listening, reading,
and writing are examples of language abilities. Vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation all are
part of language systems. Many people learn English in school, where it is one of the most
frequent courses. Some of these folks may not speak English at all, while others may have
studied it in school and desire to improve their skills. English is taught in many schools. It can
be a compulsory subject for graduation, or students can have the option to study it. Many people
also desire to devote some of their free time to learning English. However, It is not confined to
the classroom or in-person setups, due to the emergence of Multimedia.

The need for digital media and technology is widely understood to be critical to student access to
learning and success in a variety of unique disciplines. A good goal of placing more emphasis on
acquiring knowledge using digital media and technology is that students are familiar with the
extension of Internet 2.0 technology to the functions that differ in the real environment. In this
regard, there is a fundamental premise that the benefits of using Web 2.0 technology for
educational purposes can be to promote self-regulatory learning in students, positively impacting
their potential. Students’ ability to achieve academic achievement. The growth of the Internet
has opened up countless new learning opportunities. Search engines like Google, Yahoo and
others can provide a lot of information on how to improve English communication skills.
Webinars and online courses are the primary source of learning, especially during the Covid19
shutdown. BBC Study English is a free website run by BBC World Service for people learning
English as a second or. Educational videos related to learning English on YouTube have
become too popular during COVID 19.

YouTube is a video archive that was launched in February 2005 by three former PayPal
employees and allows users to post, publish, and view videos via streaming. Users have the
option to Video clips on a wide range of topics are available for download, viewing, and sharing.
Film is one example of such stuff, shorts, television shows, music and educational videos,
roasting video, video blogs, and unprofessional productions Videos. When videos are shared and
YouTube as source of English Language Learning

comments and likes are left, YouTube has become social networking platform. It is one Of the
most important internet-based language learning resources. YouTube is a well-known website
that allows users to create and share videos with others as well as to leave comments on the
videos that have been posted. The website has a lot of visitors every month, millions of people
use it. YouTube is also available over sixty languages.

In other words, it is a video-sharing application that may be found in many smart phones as
well. YouTube’s most notable characteristic is that it hosts a large number of videos on a variety
of topics and in a variety of languages. Users can type in a search box the title of the video they
need to see and it will be available directly. Such videos are important in the learning process.
How do people understand YouTube as a source, is it good or beneficial to them or is it fullfill
their requirements and can every individual at a different level of learning get good material on
this ?

Executive summary.

9 questions were asked in the survey which were related to YouTube as new source of learning
English for all social group.

It was conducted through Google forms digitally. It is discovered that YouTube is a good source
of learning English it provides them a better and easier way to learn.

It is concluded from the survey that YouTube is source which they find interesting, informative,
easier, and help them to achieve their requirements.

Background and objective of the survey

The purpose of this online survey was to identify how people think about YouTube as a source
of English Language Learning, is it beneficial or not? What is their perspective , belief and
views regarding a new source of learning English, in terms of content reliability, authenticity,
effect on their motivation levels ?
YouTube as source of English Language Learning

Methodology

The participants

39 people participated in this survey, all of them were enrolled at Aligarh Muslim University,
Aligarh. 51.3% of them were female and rest were male. The participant were mostly students of
Undergraduate, postgraduate, and senior secondary school.

The instrument

A quantitative research method is used for this study, a questionnaire is prepared and distributed
among the students to get their perspective, opinion regarding the YouTube as source of English
language learning. The questionnaire was developed by the help of Google form and distributed
in the form of link through the WhatsApp. The Questions were dichotomous or close ended.

Questions

1) Do you use YouTube for learning English?

2) Do you think YouTube is a good source of learning English?

3) Do you learn English faster and better by using YouTube videos?

4) Do you think finding material on YouTube is easy for learners?

5) Do you think the way of teaching is different on YouTube?

6) Do you think YouTube is a source for all levels of learners?

7) Do you perceive that the YouTube material used in classes is relevant to course materials?

8) Do you feel that using YouTube motivate you to study English in more engaging ways?

9) Does using YouTube material make the class more interesting or not?

Graph in percentage.
YouTube as source of English Language Learning

Q. P. Yes/agree Strongly agree Neutral/maybe No/disagree Strongly

2 39 94.9 00 00 5.1 00

3 38 81.6 00 00 18.4 00

4 38 92.1 00 00 7.9 00

5 38 86.8 00 00 13.2 00

6 37 78.4 00 00 21.6 00

7 37 24.3 00 70.3 5.4 00

8 36 61.1 00 33.3 5.6 00

9 36 47.2 13.9 36.1 2.8 00

After receiving answers, feedback, and reviews from many English students, the researcher
conducted his observations to help him present educational analyses to understand the topic
and do in-depth research.

Some of the observations are as follows :

YouTube as a source for learning English language was the most useful platform to learn and
improve English skills, because many students have a quiet nature and they tend to feel
comfortable while learning English individually through YouTube instead of classroom. It is
reported that according to a survey on using YouTube as a source of learning language skills is
the most beneficial and useful resource to learn and grow rapidly.

Other positive factors , and reasons discovered in the research are as follows.

(1) Being comfortable because of personal and individual usage. .

(2) getting relevant content easily in a convenient way.

(3) feeling free to practice in solitude after listening with much repetition with no time
limitation as the students find themselves tied up with the time allocation in the classroom
environment.

(4) no fear of being embarrassed before a crowd.

(5) no place and location allocation.

In addition to these, the study also found that students who have good language ability, along
with satisfactory understandings of contents, they use YouTube well appropriately by watching
famous talk shows, reality shows, English comedy and conversational clips to enhance their
skills at a very fast pace.

Questionnaire findings and discussion.

This is an important part of the study that contains the results and analysis of the collected
data. The results of these questionnaires have been interpreted and conclusions drawn as
shown in the table above.

The reactions of students to question number one, “Do you use YouTube for learning English?”
show that 82.1% of them agree that they appreciate learning through YouTube. It is interesting
as they have good experiencing it. About 17.9% of the participants don't agree to the use of
videos as being impressive for classes, Such differences in percentages indicates that it is useful
for students to have their academic education done on YouTube. Such findings concluded that
the majority of this research sample feel happy and satisfied while watching YouTube videos.
They like YouTube since it has audio and visual effects.

Pertaining to item number two, “ Do you think YouTube is a good source of learning
English?" the result showed that 94.9% of students agree that the YouTube is a good source to
learn English language sufficiently, and the students fully understand them. Only 5.1% don't
YouTube as source of English Language Learning

agree on the probability of acquiring a complete understanding of the learning . Again, this
conforms that they are really inclined towards using YouTube for every kind of activity, and
homework.

For item number three, “Do you learn English faster and better by using YouTube videos?”
students' responses show that 81.6% agree to the impacts and influence of YouTube used as a
tool to learn, and 18.4% disagree, it indicates that learning through YouTube is much faster
than learning in a social context, students believe that they realise rapid growth in their
learning induced by using YouTube.

For the item number four "Do you think finding material on YouTube is easy for learners?" 92.1
% students are agree with the flexibility and convenience of using YouTube in regards to the
material production, only 7.9 % of them are disagree to this, so such differences shows that
finding and searching the materials on YouTube is easier than logging on by Internet and other
sources. Students seem much dependent on YouTube in regards to their convenience, they get
the materials on YouTube very easily.

Responses to item number five, “Do you think the way of teaching is different on YouTube?”
show that students agree the effectiveness of the appropriate teaching method used in the
video of YouTube, they constitute a percentage of 86.5%. The rest of participants 13.2% do not
agree to this. Relying on the questionnaire, it is clear that every teacher on YouTube has
different way teaching . Such findings conform to the instructions for every teachers that they
should prepare or plan lesson In appropriate and structured and convenient to the learner in an
easy way so that students will understand easily, because according to the data research
distinguishes the value of the method of teaching English, all the youtubers who opt for the
teaching profession on YouTube teach English language differently in an easy way to make the
concepts clear and concise through the use of Multimedia elements, and the data also indicates
that students like learning through YouTube teachers.

Sixth question is about the content reliability, which asks to investigate whether YouTube
videos and channels for language learnings are for all levels or not? So 78.4% students are
agree with the content reliability and quality of the texts, only 21.6% do not agree with this
YouTube as source of English Language Learning

point, and it is reported according to the data that all types of content are easily available on
YouTube from basic to advanced levels for all learners with different linguistic backgrounds.

Seven question is based on content validity, only 24. 3% students agree to this, and 70.3% of
them are neutral on this point, 5.4% don't agree to this, this question was asked to differentiate
the material's validity, whether the materials taken from the books, and other valid or original
documents are relevant or the materials adopted from YouTube are authentic and accurate, so
the 70% respondents think that maybe materials taken out from YouTube is relevant and help
understanding of the topic and the course, because YouTube materials usually are concise and
convenient to catch the roots of the subject with an researcher mind. But only YouTube
material is not enough to understand the concept it should be used with course material.

Eighth question is designed to measure the motivation levels of the students who learn English
language through using YouTube and listening to the much contents on YouTube, so nearly
61.1% students agree with this, and 33.3% of them are neutral, or 5.6 % of them do not agree
to this fantasy, according to the data students think the they get motivated, and learning
through YouTube boost their confidence levels, the reason behind this entity is that student
get clear understanding in less time with effectively that’s why they prepare themselves for
upcoming lesson, having background knowledge about the topic make them confident.

The Ninth question is about the satisfaction and authenticity of YouTube materials, that was
measured to conclude that students dependents on YouTube materials take the steepest
delight in the classroom or not? do they feel well prepared in the class or not? According to the
responses, it is recorded that nearly half (47 %) take immense interest in classroom lectures by
using YouTube materials, the reason is that YouTube materials are a good supplementary part
having the use of Multimedia which makes it clear, and interesting for classroom syllabus. It’s
discovered that YouTube material is helpful with the integration of classroom material.

Conclusion and instructions.

The study analysed the Benefits of YouTube as a learning source, and investigated the level of
the authenticity in the materials by examining the validity and reliability of the content, which
is made concise, and short to understand comprehensively. This research recognised that
YouTube is a good source of information and learning, if it would be used appropriately and
smartly, the present study also confirms that technology can play a crucial role in enhancing
the understanding of students because in the current scenario the learners are excited to have
technology like YouTube to be more comfortable, findings of the present study show
considerable interest in using YouTube in a learning environment, the point here is that
students are curious and cautious about the authenticity of the text and teaching methods,
they want the teacher to be passive in the whole teaching process, while in the traditional
way, the solution their interests are often accompanied by videos, so both impact students in
one way or another. This study also revealed that YouTube videos improve language skills,
especially speaking and listening, students agree that watching YouTube videos can improve
their language skills, especially speaking and listening. according to the data, it would be wrong
to say that YouTube is a useful source that can strengthen learners' knowledge and help them
improve their English level. In addition, watching YouTube videos can help learners
communicate and experiment by enhancing learners' understanding and gathering insights.
Moreover, it allows learners to understand the lesson effectively and vividly. Also, YouTube
videos can present the experience more realistically and comprehensively than traditional
teaching methods, the study also emphasizes that there is a reasonable number of students
who believe that YouTube videos can simplify lessons since it has audio and digital effects and
make them more realistic and understandable. Furthermore, the sound and visual effects
presented in YouTube videos can help learners grasp the hidden meanings. The aim of the
researcher through this study is to examine how effective YouTube videos are for students to
grasp the material and how a learner take help with YouTube videos to learn the English
language outside the classroom and how YouTube material can be used in class. Teachers
cannot leave YouTube out of the educational process because it brings all the benefits for a
more enjoyable and beneficial teaching experience. YouTube videos should be an integral and
supplementary part of the learning process. Students find it interesting to use YouTube videos.
YouTube as source of English Language Learning

These videos help increase understanding of the academic material and improve student
outcomes.

For further reading:

Yaacob, Z., & Md Saad, N. H. (2020). Acceptance of YouTube as a learning platform during the
COVID-19 pandemic: The moderating effect of subscription status. TEM Journal, 1732-1739.
https://doi.org/10.18421/tem94-54

Fadhil Abbas, N., & Ali Qassim, T. (2020). Investigating the effectiveness of YouTube as a
learning tool among EFL students at Baghdad University. Arab World English Journal, 6, 344-
356. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/call6.23

Why has YouTube become the go-to platform for online learners. (2020, August 26). Career, Higher
Education & Study Abroad | Education
Times. https://www.educationtimes.com/article/editors-pick/77743562/why-has-youtube-become-the-
go-to-platform-for-online-learners