About Videojug
When I first visited Videojug, it reminded me of a cross between YouTube and WikiHow. The site’s tagline, “Get Good at Life,” clearly defines the purpose of the website–to serve as a directory of how to videos on just about any subject or interest. Videos are produced by Videojug and its partners. The site also features a Q & A area similar to Yahoo! Answers; users can use this part of the site to post questions and receive advice. In addition, users are able to create pages to upload and distribute original content.
Videojug also hosts a YouTube channel featuring their how-to videos: http://www.youtube.com/VideoJug
Reflection
I found the site both practical and entertaining. The wide range of video subjects make it a useful resource for users searching for a quick, easy-to-follow reference guide on just about any topic. Videos range from DIY projects to dating to education and everything in between. However, unlike YouTube, Videojug does not allow users to publish their own content, except on user pages. I find that I prefer the social aspect of YouTube’s user-generated content, despite the superior production quality of the videos available on Videojug.
Videos and ILI
Videos are a great way to provide users with asynchronous instruction, especially distance students who may not be able to join a real-time session, whether in person or online. Instruction sessions can be recorded and linked on a library’s website or YouTube channel, or uploaded on a site such as a Videojug page. Powerpoints can also be turned into videos by adding narration recorded with a program such as Audacity or Camtasia, thereby providing viewers with an audio-visual experience. Video tutorials can instruct users on activities such as how to use the library catalog to find resource, find articles on databases, use Refworks, locate and use ebooks on Netlibrary, or find videos on Films on Demand.
marginalia and such 