Delphi method; the future of YouTube examined by Snelson, Rice, and Wyzard (2012)

Research priorities for YouTube and video-sharing technologies:

A Delphi study_1168 119..129

Chareen Snelson, Kerry Rice and Constance Wyzard (2012)

     For me, the method of research, a Delphi study was very interesting because it was the first time for to learn that this kind of research method exists in the world. The origin of name, “Delphi” is from the Oracle of Delphi which means “something oracular, something smacking, a little of the occult.” The Delphi method is a systematically and interactively developed forecasting method which replying on panel of experts. It is based on the assumption that experts group’s judgments are more valid than individual one like “two heads are better than one head.”

Here, how can we organize the panel of experts and how can we define “the experts”? Referring to Rowe & Wright (1999), the key features of a Delphi study can be described as follows: 1. Anonymity of Delphi participants allowing free expression of ideas and opinions; 2. Iteration allowing participants to examine or modify their reviews based on the views of the expert group; 3. Controlled feedback informing participants of the other participant’s ideas and opinions; 4. Statistical analysis allowing for a quantitative analysis of data.

In this research, the Delphi technique was employed to find out what areas experts anticipate are most in need of research in video-sharing technology over the next 5 years.

“What should be the research priorities in video-sharing technologies (YouTube) over the next 5 years?”

In conclusion, the research listed and ranked seven research priority categories in order of priority: 1. user, group and communities; 2. teaching and learning; 3. social political impact; 4. video creation and production 5. legal/ethical; 6. media management; and 7. commercial interests. It was an interesting research in that we tried to clarify how humans interact with YouTube and video-sharing services and forecast where it goes in the future. Thinking that teaching and learning are ranked the 2^nd, we teachers should be aware of the importance of the influence of video sharing social media and consider how to employ them in pedagogy.

Source: Chareen Snelson, Kerry Rice and Constance Wyzard (2012)