Abstract:

Along with the development of new media, we observe the evolution of techniques and tools helpful in new forms of education. Thanks to the common access to the Internet and open social networking sites, educational multimedia content is distributed not only on dedicated e-learning websites but also on private channels on the Internet, first of all on the YouTube platform. One of the forms more and more often used to popularize science and promote knowledge absorption are video blogs (vlogs).

Vlog is the most universal, affordable and also the most personalized video format on the YouTube. In principle, it is a tool that allows to communicate any content and present ones opinions to a wider public. Researchers underline the role of vlogs in building an engaged audience, willing to share their opinion and knowledge, especially in the opposite to the traditional media. According to the studies, vlogs play better their function in meeting the need for contact and a sense of community among users. Vlogs creators - as the research shows - are perceived as authentic and credible. Educational and science popularizing vlogs provide a good base for virtual learning environment (VLE) building.

Research data show that in 46% of schools in Poland pupils use social media in education. 50% of Polish students indicate educational channels on the YouTube platform as a source of knowledge and help in learning. The most popular creators of educational channels have thousands of observers and commentators, which proves not only their popularity, but also a good quality of educational content they produce on the Internet.

The research conducted among students of Polish schools described in the article draw attention to sociocultural changes of young media users, their need for modern and individualized education. Our study indicate factors (internal and external) that affect the popularity of educational vlogs. Research also raises the issue of increasing motivation to learn among young people induced by high quality and atractive multimedia content presented in videoblogs.

Keywords:

New media, social media, video blog, educational tools, online education.