Dr Kai Krüger: YouTube videos and podcasts as educational media

This lecture addresses two key contemporary social debates, using the 1961 German-Turkish labour recruitment agreement as a case study: firstly, issues of migration, the economy and identity; and secondly, the pedagogical examination of the impact of (digital) historical culture – in particular YouTube videos and podcasts – as new educational media for history teaching. First, the historical representation in these media is analysed, with a particular focus on the selectivity of historical narratives across the various formats. With regard to the YouTube videos, the visual design of the historical narratives is also taken into account. The analysis further provides insights into the respective conditions under which they were produced.

This is followed by a comprehensive examination of how YouTube videos are received, as well as the socio-political debate on immigration, based on the comments section on YouTube. It becomes apparent that many users interpret the historical narratives in certain subject areas from a critical perspective and, in some cases, voice sharp criticism of the representations. However, the numerous instances of dominant, hegemonic appropriation are also noteworthy, as are the channel’s technical interventions, which are designed to highlight positive feedback.