Genius Hour Research

Blog Post During my Genius Hour research, I found an informative article written by Copper & Semich (2014) entitled, Youtube as a teacher training tool: information and communication technology as a delivery instrument for professional development. The primary focus of this article was to analyze the value in using Youtube videos as a, “training modality for in-servicing teachers”, however, I was able to interpret this information in a manner that closely related to my topic which is learning guitar through the use of Youtube videos. As discussed in my Project Proposal, I gave up on attending in-person guitar lessons because I was having a difficult time balancing my schoolwork, social life, and sports both in-and-out of the school context. Simply put, I did not have the time to attend in-person guitar lessons on a consistent basis which led to me entirely giving up on my aspirations to learn guitar. Copper & Semich (2014) taught me that Youtube videos provide a more practical and convenient learning platform because I have the freedom to choose when I can practice. By watching Youtube videos to learn guitar, I will be better able to find time to practice, whether that be between classes, to take a break from studying, or late at night prior to going to bed. Additionally, by learning guitar through Youtube videos, I have the ability to rewind and rewatch certain aspects of the lesson that I may not have understood the first time (in-person lessons may not provide this opportunity). This will allow me to progress through the stages of learning guitar at my own comfort level/pace. Moreover, Copper & Semich (2014) taught me that learning guitar using Youtube videos may offer visual and auditory sensory appeals that in-person lessons may not. I feel like these appeals will be very beneficial for my learning because they will keep me mentally engaged with the material that I am learning. Not to mention, the purpose of learning guitar on Youtube is for the learner to be playing along with the instructor, just as you would be in-person, so learning guitar on Youtube also incorporates a kinesthetic/hands-on component, which is certainly beneficial as this is my preferred learning style. https://go-gale-com.proxy.library.brocku.ca/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=T002&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&hitCount=1&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm¤tPosition=1&docId=GALE%7CA398953054&docType=Report&sort=RELEVANCE&contentSegment=ZONE-MOD1&prodId=AONE&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE%7CA398953054&searchId=R1&userGroupName=st46245&inPS=true Furthermore, it would be unjust to only research the possible benefits of learning guitar on Youtube without considering the possible cons. During my Genius Hour research, I found an article on the website, “Tone Topics” entitled, Can you Learn Guitar on Youtube? (Pros & Cons), which closely analyzes the benefits and possible ramifications from learning guitar on Youtube. Below is a list of the possible Pros and Cons: PROS -endless variety of guitar lessons  fundamentals, techniques, any song you like, music theory, tips and tricks, guitar gear and reviews -learn anywhere anytime -choose what you want to learn -learn at your own pace -completely free CONS -no direct feedback  no one to notice your mistakes -no structured feedback Tone Topics Website https://tonetopics.com/learning-guitar-on-youtube/#:~:text=You%20can%20absolutely%20learn%20guitar,in%20order%20to%20aid%20progress. Since the goal of my project is to learn guitar using Youtube videos as an educational platform, I will need to find ways to overcome the cons of this avenue of learning. In order to do so, I plan to ask the assistance of my roommate, who is a proficient guitar player, to provide me with feedback on a consistent basis. Now that I have become aware of the possible benefits and ramifications of learning guitar using Youtube, the next step in my learning process is finding a guitar instructor on Youtube whom I enjoy learning from. The aforementioned article entitled, Can you Learn Guitar on Youtube? (Pros & Cons), introduced me to multiple instructors which include: Justin Guitar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QCt3UBTS1Y&list=PLlwfspJqZ126JHOY5rTkKCSAp2Ua907-v&t=1s Marty Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNSaXAe8tyg&t=680s Andy Guitar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBz-Jyr23M4 Jamplay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIrOVZGw5sw&list=PLZntkuoDTKn3xVqEBzykHJLKS2s4NODmE Your Guitar Sage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmX795qdAuw