A Study on Elementary School Teachers’ Learning Experiences Using YouTube

Objectives The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of teachers' learning through the use of the YouTube platform and contents. Methods To achieve this purpose, we conducted written interviews using online platform with 22 elementary school teachers. The qualitative data collected were analyzed using thematic analysis. Based on the teachers' learning experiences with YouTube, the characteristics of this learning method were identified and conceptualized. Results As a result of the study, 3 main categories, 9 themes, and 21 subcategories were derived as characteristics of learning using YouTube. The main categories include reasons for using YouTube for learning, learning topics, and learning methods utilizing YouTube. The sub-themes for reasons for YouTube utilization learning include convenience, informativeness and timeliness, content diversity, and usefulness. The sub-themes for learning topics include instruction preparation and operation, and other teaching-related duties. The learning methods utilizing YouTube identified were watching learning, recording learning, and imitative learning. The strategies for elementary teachers' YouTube-based learning included selective and partial usage strategies, as well as personalized and customized strategies, each with detailed subcategories. Conclusions Based on these findings, the study suggests learning methods to enhance teachers' professional development.