As we move toward the second decade of the 20th century, the future of classroom technology lies directly in front of us.

YouTube has become one of the most popular Web sites on the Internet since its creation in 2006, though many do not realize the full potential this site has.

Many students end up on YouTube during late nights in the library, only to find themselves distracted for more than half an hour, resulting in a past-midnight trip to the Kwik Shop.

What many students do not realize is the fact that YouTube is an excellent source to find help in coursework, although it may not always be credible.

Plenty of educational videos are available on the popular Web site.

But YouTube is not just a tool for helping the procrastinating student find out how to finish his or her assignment that is due the next morning. It is being used at several universities and colleges across the nation. Professors are using the site to give their students a more hands-on feel for the subjects and course matter.

YouTube can give a much more visually interesting piece of material than a textbook. For example, in English classes students are taught to memorize and retain words and their meanings as well as the pronunciation. A textbook can only go as far as a word and the definition, but not the pronunciation.

With YouTube, students are able to see firsthand how to make the certain sounds of a particular word, and students need to utilize this.

The new generation of college students is one in which people expect information at their fingertips, not on a chalkboard.

Gone are the days of erasing with dusty pieces of cloth and here are those of pressing the play/pause button.