Abstract
An increased use of YouTube in education has resulted in the emergence of a large number of audiovisual educational content creators known as EduTubers. Our research considers gender as a relevant variable within this group by analysing the 204 most successful channels in Spain so as to identify the existence of models and reference points throughout the area of informal education. The study methodology is based on a qualitative analysis instrument that provides descriptive statistics and contingency tables. The results provide original evidence on the topic. We reflect on the possible existence of a gender gap among EduTubers, concluding that there is actually one. After identifying the significant factors regarding to this inequality, they were grouped together into four categories: media exposure level; women’s participation in the educational stages that are most in demand on YouTube; elements and factors determining the success of videos; and time spent on the channel as a content creator. A suggestion is made of possible steps to reduce this gender gap through emotional support and training aimed at women who wish to become EduTubers, as well as via social change that facilitates the presence of women as influential figures in informal education.
Highlights
1.1 EduTubers, Educational Influencers on YouTubeIn recent decades, the use of information technology has become commonplace in almost all areas of society
Concerning the analysis of educational channels and videos on YouTube, we have found literature that demonstrates the convenience of considering Edutubers’ skills, capabilities and attitudes in greater depth (López, Maza-Córdoba, & Tusa, 2020), examining the statistical data provided by YouTube (Saurabh & Gautam, 2019) and proposing rubrics to study and assess videos (Neumann & Herodotou, 2020), together with publications that offer guidelines for the production of videos depending on competences and didactic content (Rodgers et al, 2020) and reflect on the appropriateness of using educational videos on YouTube (Burgos, Beltrán-Pellicer, & Godino, 2020)
Our inquiry revolves around two questions: Does a gender gap exist among current EduTubers?; and, if that is the case, what factors are significantly influence the status of this gap? Exhaustive analysis of successful educational channels on YouTube will enable us to answer these questions, increasing our knowledge of this new phenomenon that affects the field of education internationally
Summary
The use of information technology has become commonplace in almost all areas of society. Many fields have been transformed or at least affected by a new digital format that pervades our everyday life. Within this framework, groups and individuals have appeared during the last few years that can influence millions of people by using social media and digital platforms. The models available on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Twitter or Tik-Tok cause a major impact on contemporary society, as shown by the number of views and followers of this multimedia content. The Gender Gap Among EduTubers and the Factors Significantly Influencing
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