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How to Download YouTube Videos for Classroom Use

Many of my station labs and 5E lessons have links to YouTube videos which can become problematic if your school blocks YouTube.  I’ve tried to avoid these problems by also providing a link to the video using my own Google Drive.  However, there are now thousands of students using my labs on any given day and you may get a “too many connections” error.

That said, there are several ways around this issue.  My favorite way is to use Clip Grab and the directions are below.

Download Using Clip Grab

My favorite YouTube downloader is called ClipGrab They have an easy to use FAQ if you get stuck.  I like this method because I don’t have to worry about malware or bloatware.

  1. Install the software.
  2. Change your download path via Settings.
  3. Search for YouTube Videos (full URL’s are found in the station lab teacher directions)
  4. Click “Grab This Clip”

Horray!  Now you have an .MP4 video which can be shared with your students.  You can add it to your network drive at school, a personal Google Drive, Google Classroom, a USB drive, or any other platform your students will have access to.

You can create a shortened link using bit.ly or goo.gl and share the link with your students.

Other YouTube Downloaders

These sites do the job, BUT…and it’s a big BUT, you need to be extra cautious not to download any of their recommended toolbars, pro downloaders, or helpers.  They are loaded with malware and it’s not something you want on your computer.  I have used both of these sites hundreds of times, but you need to be really cautious on what you are clicking.  Both sites mentioned have free or ‘browser’ downloads that do not install anything on your computer other than downloading the video.  Click carefully.

Do you do something different?  I’d love to hear about it in the comments

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