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Comunicar Journal 79: Metaversal and Transhumanist Ecologies: Perspectives for Digital Reculturization (Vol. 32 - 2024)

Youtube and Informal Learning: An Analysis of the Relationship Between the Platform and the Educational Experience

Abstract

Over the past decade, YouTube has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from primarily being an entertainment platform to becoming a prominent learning resource. This study aims to examine the relationship between the instrumental and pedagogical dimensions of YouTube in the context of informal learning, evaluating both its technical characteristics and its contribution to the educational experience. A specific questionnaire was developed for this purpose, which underwent expert validation and was evaluated through a pilot study. The study sample consisted of 504 participants from Andalusia, Spain. Descriptive analyses and correlations, including the Spearman correlation coefficient and the contingency coefficient, were applied to explore the relationships between dimensions and variables such as age, gender, employment status, education, and usage frequency. The results highlighted a positive evaluation of both the instrumental and pedagogical dimensions, with a particular emphasis on the appreciation of accessibility, content diversity, and the ability to customize the educational experience according to user needs. Correlations revealed that a positive assessment of technical characteristics was associated with a higher evaluation of pedagogical dimensions. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between usage frequency and the evaluation of these dimensions, while age was negatively related to them. In summary, YouTube emerges as a highly relevant platform for informal learning, with its technical aspects highly valued for enriching the educational experience.