Blended Learning Strategies: Opportunities and Limitations of Using YouTube Videos to Support Ready Relevant Learning

Abstract

In this thesis, we develop a business case analysis of the use of YouTube with the Navy’s Ready Relevant Learning. We assess current literature regarding the effectiveness of YouTube videos for enhancing adult learning and job performance. We then identify the requirements for the Navy to implement YouTube learning and discuss the advantages and limitations associated with using YouTube for learning. Additionally, we conduct a qualitative analysis of data obtained from interviews with students and instructors at a Navy vocational training site on the use of digital learning strategies. We place the main findings from the interviews in the context of the current literature to validate that YouTube can be an effective tool to enhance learning. We conclude that YouTube is a viable tool for vocational training and we recommend that the Navy conduct a pilot program to identify implementation needs to scale effectively the use of YouTube as a training tool.