Providing Video Access for Students

Because YouTube is not a supported platform for student use, it is blocked on all student devices across the district. We understand, however, that there are many high-quality educational videos you may want your students to engage with independently.

When projecting a video from a staff computer isn't an option, the most reliable method is to provide students with a local copy via Google Drive. This ensures that students can view the material without being blocked and protects your lesson plan in case a creator removes their video from YouTube unexpectedly.

Step 1: Download the Video using ClipGrab

We have pre-installed an application called ClipGrab on every staff laptop to simplify this process.

1. Open ClipGrab: Search for "ClipGrab" in your computer's application list. (If you do not see it installed, please open a support ticket so we can get it added for you.)

2. Copy the Link: Copy the URL of the YouTube video you wish to share.

3. Paste and Process: Paste the link into the "Downloads" tab in ClipGrab.

4. Select Format: We recommend selecting MPEG4 (Standard Definition) to ensure the file size remains manageable.

5. Download: Click "Grab this clip!" to save the video file directly to your computer.

Step 2: Upload and Share via Google Drive

Once you have the video file on your laptop, you can make it accessible to your students:

1. Upload to Drive: Drag and drop the downloaded video file into your Google Drive.

2. Adjust Sharing Settings: Right-click the file in Drive, select Share, and ensure the permissions are set so your students can view it (e.g., "Anyone in this group with the link").

3. Distribute the Link: Copy the "Link address" and hyperlink it directly into your digital handouts, Google Classroom, or slide decks.

Why This is the Best Practice

By hosting the video in Google Drive, you remove the barrier of the web filter and ensure that students are not distracted by YouTube's related videos or comments. It also guarantees that your instructional materials remain functional year after year, regardless of changes to external platforms.

Need Assistance?

If you run into trouble with the ClipGrab software or need help managing your Google Drive sharing permissions, please open a support ticket. We are happy to help you get your content in front of your students!