Academia never had to change: now it’s dire | Tyler Dewitt | TEDxMIT

My father wanted me to become a professor. Instead, as I forged a different path, teaching on KZbin, developing Virtual Reality, and working outside of higher education, it became clear that his beloved academia is headed for major disruption. Tyler DeWitt works at the intersection of science, technology, and education. He is the creator of one of the most popular instructional channels on KZbin and is the video author for the newly-released textbook “Interactive General Chemistry,” published by Macmillan Learning. Tyler is a frequent speaker and consultant on technology and the future of education. Tyler is currently the Executive Director of Innovation at Quality Executive Partners, where he works to bring VR and other learning technologies to the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors. Tyler holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from MIT. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@sciencenonfiction4109]

This guy is the best KZbin chemistry teacher.

[@mahtdickey677]

Try hank green for one day.....

[@shelbyshelby3936]

Hank Green is a good suggestion. He just has a different teaching style. He uses animation, humour and talks fast(you could always decrease the vid speed)- he’s definitely entertaining lol, whereas Tyler uses a more traditional method of visual aid to teach, speaks slower and does have some humour peppered throughout his vids-he’s less dramatic than Hank. They are both very knowledgeable an teach the subject well, it just depends on which one suits your learning style best. I watch Hank’s vids to switch it up once in a while🙂

[@sciencenonfiction4109]

I watch Hank Green for every other subject, he covers everything, or has people who do. This guy is more of a specialist in chemistry.

[@mahtdickey677]

@@sciencenonfiction4109 Hanks crash course series that covers chemistry is very specific and extremely thorough. His scishow and tangents cover others.

[@sciencenonfiction4109]

@@mahtdickey677 I agree, I use those too. I'm also currently using SciShow Organic Chemistry. Just for the first time going into any chemistry, this other guy going slower was good too at the time.

[@shelbyshelby3936]

I can’t believe my eyes! Could this be the very same “baby face” Tyler Dewitt who has been helping me this past year with understanding biochem???!!! My my professor, you’ve matured nicely! Thank you for sharing your story about your dad and thank you for what you do. This fourth-something year old med student couldn’t have done it without you! ❤️

[@girzeenrashidvlogs5596]

Exactly!!!! I completely agree. When I saw that those videos were about 7 years ago my eyes popped out. So glad for his KZbin channel.

[@Nobody-fy7tw]

Well he's back at his channel

[@jovanmaharaj3444]

Is he married.?

[@kimmills3264]

@@jovanmaharaj3444 Lol, I'm glad I'm not the only one that wondered that it took me about five tutoring sessions before I was like wow this guy is awesome on so many levels! yay Tyler you rock!

[@atrevino3082]

I used to watch Tyler DeWitt's videos on a regular basis when I was taking chemistry. Emailed him once thanking him for taking time out of his busy day to create them. I was so honored when he wrote back. He will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you Tyler DeWitt for all that you do!

[@samlal3618]

Can you give me his email pls 🥺

[@XX-lk2jj]

@@samlal3618 idk his email but you can message him on instagram!!

[@Blessedup69]

Schools should not be setup like factories

[@bukurie6861]

You are so talented to do your steps.G😍o🌟d bless in your best Goals in life.Co🌠ngr🌠atula🌠tion🌠s👌!

[@johndonaldson3619]

If you can't READ< WRITE< COUNT then you CANT TO SHIT

[@shazrilhaiqal9041]

it should be setup like factories for factory skill school

[@highendtrends3508]

This guy is the GOAT! I’ve lost count on how many of his videos I have watched. God bless this man!

[@isabellelatour1069]

I've learned more on YT than many yrs of school...different infos, different view points😊 it's wonderful 💜

[@dhruvtravadi5599]

On the way

[@dhruvtravadi5599]

😄

[@januarysson5633]

Unfortunately YT peaked as a platform circa 2014. Now it has joined up with the thought police.

[@angelas1761]

Frrrrrr I’ve gotten to dive even deeper into my love for science and explore so much more on the internet. I love science and I’ve taken a science class every semester of high school and it’s amazing to have even more info at my fingertips because if the internet

[@nicoles_handle]

TYLER DEWITT thank you for your service to us all

[@nanadasal02]

This is really true. Actually these online class, some teachers are having trouble teaching, and can’t even convey what they should. So most of the students try to learn on their own and go to youtube to learn. Sometimes, we’re just using school to get a degree or grades but actually were learning better with the help of free tutorial videos on youtube. That’s also why sometimes I can see many viewers who joked that their tuition should be payed to the youtubers of the tutorial video.

[@jasonremy1627]

Hey man, still use your Chemistry videos in my class. Best stuff out there!

[@angelas1761]

Multiple teachers I’ve had have showed us his videos too!! They really are great

[@harshadjadhav1583]

Please guys support him. This guy is trying to bring some change but no one supporting him. Ted talks being a good platform with millions of followers still he has less number of people watching. Spread his videos has much as you can.🙏🙏

[@anushapatnaik881]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@megposting]

tyler is carrying me through my chemistry class right now, he's so much better and clearer than my actual teacher. this video does an excellent job at explaining how the one size fits all approach doesn't work for education and how the school system needs to be modernized.

[@kaushikrishi01]

I see him so differently now. This guy reminds me of childhood. nostalgia

[@MR-ho3mo]

I believe the videos should be used as supplements, not replace the professor. There is value in showing up and having the ability to ask questions in person. The fellow student is another reason to have an actual class. Exchange of ideas in real time is valuable.

[@ada5851]

Agreed. It shouldn't be a strictly either/or thing. A blended approach would probably be best for most students.

[@mishkikistrengthoftheearth4933]

Big time. You need to do chemistry in the lab. You can practise VR skating but what happens when you lace up?

[@lurf_turf]

But when you are already watching prerecorded videos from your chemistry professor, you wonder what the difference is. This past semester I didn't watch any of the prerecorded videos and went to KZbin. Why would I watch a mediocre professor when I could watch the best? Also, i agree that lab experience is critical, but i was able to perform all of the experiments at home, in my kitchen. The lab kit was sent to me via an outside company in the school.

[@cashmoney2159]

@@lurf_turf that's true why to watch a lower class teacher's videos if you've got access to the best brains of this world, but one can always have someone to ask and clarify your doubts with

[@leelynnchanel]

Dear Tyler, Your teaching method is top notch and have helped millions of people online without asking for anything in returns. Your dad will be proud of you. We are all proud of you. Thank you for everything.

[@_aasthasingh]

WAIT A MINUTE this is the guy whos videos i used for chemistry all semester OMG (those got me though the sem)

[@AD-wg8ik]

Yeah he grew a beard lol

[@tarrySubstance]

I just hope education system does change.

[@hamza3065]

On of the best Ted Talks to have come out recently.

[@yumnaminhaj9949]

omg i cant believe it! it really is the same person whose videos have helped me in chemistry through my semester better than online learning!!istg guys he is the best Y-tube teacher and if you haven't subscribed to him or watched his videos, please do. Believe me his is absolutely AMAZING!!

[@januarysson5633]

Higher education is just a money making scam today. Maybe we need something like “You Tube University” that will teach students for a fraction of the price.

[@kayakMike1000]

It already exists. So many excellent physics lectures are online now. Its all there...

[@temi4116]

Agreed January 's son.

[@surgep]

Community College for the mayority of your classes. Then university to finish. You end up with a valuable degree at a fraction of the price

[@Pandora234able]

Another money making scam lol

[@kimmills3264]

this man is truly one of my heroes I discovered him as a tutor 4 years ago or so and have been more inspired by him as a communicator than most anyone in my 50 years he has a gift that could change the world I aspire to be more like him and hope so many others learn from him and teach others. yay interdisciplinary minded humans!! Doesn't do much good if all the synapses fire in the same box and never get out!!!

[@RlRdHd]

so appreciate your gifts, I am so frustrated with the way teachers, textbooks, and even KZbinr educators, always seem to skip little bridges that everyone else seems to get and just go over my head. But you seem to get it, thank you. I am certain that your dad is looking down and is proud of you as can be.

[@heatherpitcher476]

When I was in highschool I took one week of chemistry and my teacher said, "You need to drop this class. Chemistry is not for you and it will kill your GPA." So I did. 29 years later, I find you on KZbin and I am LOVING chemistry!! Finding the "right" teach is possible today because of social media. 29 years ago I had one teacher and two options: fail or drop it. THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing your talent for teaching chemistry. ♡ I love all the online learning opportunities and hope it just gets better and better!

[@tomatochemist]

Wow, I’m so sorry you had such a bad experience!

[@angiecarter4934]

I'm a believer! Tyler's KZbin videos got me an "A" in my chemistry class for nursing school back in 2017! I recommend Tyler's videos to all of my family members, friends, colleagues, and new acquaintances too! I don't want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to learn from this talented young teacher! These are great ideas that you're sharing Tyler and I'm excited for the future that you and those you choose to partner with will usher in! So glad that you're still leading the charge for this cause that you believe so deeply in! I believe that your dad is so proud! Forever grateful and forever a fan! - Angie

[@karmen1265]

Many teachers and schools are upset because they have to follow standards and we are not all the same, therefore, the standards are ridiculous.

[@user-iz1wo1xq7v]

Mr. Tyler thank you from the bottom of my heart for getting me through chemistry right now. My professor asks if we have any questions and I do not raise my hand, I come home and watch you instead. THANK YOU for being awesome and for starting this your amazing channel. Many blessings.

[@shirtposting]

TYLER! Finally, he's back! 3 cheers for Tyler!

[@bchen6359]

You are the best chemistry teacher my daughter ever has! Thank you Prof. Tyler!

[@gideonocholi130]

Your videos got us through our 1st year in chemistry. Thanks alot Sir.

[@shahdmaki761]

We really owe you Tyler for EVERYTHING you helped us with so thank you SO MUCH ❤️❤️😭😭

[@edwardgarcia521]

I've watched nearly all your videos, and you explain everything with such lucid clarity that I keep coming for more. Thank you Tyler, and God bless you.

[@multicolour5879]

I have watched all of your videos and use it to support my teaching. So not only I know you, but also my family and students know you. It's saves me heaps of time showing these videos because the writing and models are already done.

[@fanoswali559]

The passion of teaching is highly sensible in every bit of his gesture and voice. Thank you DeWitt

[@ejasimshopbusiness8492]

You make the chemistry class understandable your videos clear. I faced a hard time with chemistry until my professors point to your videos and they download many of them on our college website. You have a new idea that would change the world. God bless your father soul💐

[@maiwael1939]

you are the best chemistry teacher i've ever seen I'm your student from 2019 to 2021 and still your student , i need to tell you really really BIG THANK you because you the only one who makes the chemistry is to easy and funny for me Master Dewitt , you are the one that made me love the chemistry, I'm so Happy to see you in 2021 and wish my thanks reaches you , and Thanks ❤

[@JannahVictoriaADASAL]

I really an grateful to you for teaching and posting your videos online. I really learned a lot from you and made me a better student.

[@julianacorpuz6654]

Yes, your videos walked me through in my masters. You're videos became my favorite teacher.

[@hadiazia7266]

You are such an amazing teacher oof I cant emphasis it enough you've helped EVERYONE when I say everyone, I mean EVERYONE. I doubt Any person that has watched a video of yours couldnt understand the topic,thats how spectacular of a teacher you are SIR thankyou so much for existing you've saved us,literally 😭❤

[@LearningandTechnology]

The past 22 years I’ve been teaching post-Graduate courses in person. Since moving online and starting my KZbin channel - I feel I’m better able to help students as individuals carve a better path to their learning goals. My hope is that my channel grows to the point where I can purchase some AR tools and develop courses in that area. The possibilities are vast. Self-efficacy around leaner-centric education is indeed the future - in fact, my Master’s thesis was on Data-Driven Learner Dashboards to support this self-learning pathway. Great video - it speaks to truth.

[@reedofwater]

Unfortunately online learning is still pretty difficult for those of us that need that teacher-student interaction. For my son and daughter who are learning from home due to COVID it's a huge challenge for them and their grades have dropped. Hopefully there's a middle ground where we can still be guided by a real person.

[@fenixfyre]

Thank you for everything you have done Tyler, you have influenced a paradigm shift.

[@step30dub]

I remember your videos I used them all the time before my biology and chemistry test.

[@musicbox1905]

I learn a lot in his videos. and I'm so thankful that youtube recommend his video to me

[@mohamedkass3885]

Tyler you are doing such a wonderful job, learned a lot from you in Chem. Thank you so much for what you are doing and sharing your story

[@maazahamad1126]

Please continue making videos ............ really enjoy learning from your videos

[@maitri2753]

Omg finally sir after soo long ...Love to see you again Thank you for making videos it helped a lot

[@AtifKhan-ej3dz]

He always had a smile while teaching in his videos and with that i thought he was so happy with his life but i didn't know the actual sad story behind. It's so sad that his father was unhappy and dissatisfied with him before leaving this world 😢😞. Hope you'll get to your goal Tyler and really get a change. My wishes

[@evelynjeroh5297]

honestly it's sad and his voice cracked and I nearly teared up..

[@shafiajabeen9785]

This person has special place in my heart.more power to u sir💪

[@antonelladiane]

I earned my bachelor's degree in statistics (also thanks to videos on KZbin) and I had already noticed the tendency of professors to follow a standard, automatic pattern: Theoretical lessons almost entirely taken from books, programming sessions and tests. I subsequently enrolled in the master's in Statistics, with the desire to continue with a doctorate. What I had seen in the triennial has sharpened more and more. Lectures as if they were the dictations of books, programming in R or Sas with codes already written and without any desire to dig deep. The result of all this was the loss of motivation for the PhD and the disappointment of the lack of innovation and dynamism. There is a need for change, there is a need to constantly improve the quality of teaching and the relationship with professors.

[@dilyanayovanovich5642]

Thank you for the nice story that you shared with us, Tyler! Thank you for your efforts and bravery ....I could,t get any tests without you! Please, stay with us in the future! Bless your heart!

[@cassthebosscw4334]

I had a teacher who would use your videos instead of making her own. I’m so great full she did that. Thank you for seeing that their are others who need a better break down. My mom is now taking O Chem and she was wondering how she was going to understand everything and my response is Tyler Dewitt will help you pass. She is excited after watching a few helpful videos. Thank you for you time.

[@amenhussain5779]

Sir i had no words for you i watch your videos all the time, you are seriously an amazing teacher

[@martinacusack9867]

Your dad would/ is proud of you. Very well presented. I am not comfortable with technology but i do see its value also. At least you are trying to do something positive in this crazy time in history

[@6887andres]

Thank you so much, Mr, Dewitt for all your help in this subject that is very hard to understand. Hugs and love from NYC

[@thedemondevii883]

im very sorry for you dad passing away but u helped many many MANY people

[@suemilliken1028]

Tyler, is that you??? I've used Tyler DeWitt videos for years with my middle school chem students. You have such a gift for reaching students. Thank you thank you! As an educator who is just returning to the classroom this week after a year of remote learning, I have a much greater appreciation for the connections I make in person with my students. I feel like I did OK without actually being in a school building, yet I cannot wait to return!!!

[@masterblaster8869]

I can't believe. My virtual teacher didn't shave for a long time. Oh! Man. Thank you for your videos which made me to get interest in science. I felt thankful to you.❤️😊. Still I'm learning from his videos. May the god give him longevity.

[@Mariotime-cd1ym]

I really appreciate your dedication and passion . I am learning so much and my understanding has been opened because of you. Thank you so much!

[@janellepello5075]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EXISTING

[@terryrayl502]

Excellent! The only drawback is that not all students have the self discipline to do strictly online. I love your videos. They have helped me tremendously but I am currently teaching and many of my students fall way behind when they are at home. Not sure exactly the answer is. How to get a balance but it's obviously something we need to work on.

[@rl1314]

Yes! I love online learning. We are so lucky and fortunate compared to our parents and grandparents. We have so much knowledge at the tip of our fingers. The older generations don't really get it but there isnt the same return on investment with college degrees the way there used to be and we desperately need alternatives. Education is important and a lifelong journey and we need other options that don't put us into debt at all stages of life. We deserve it! I'm also very sorry about your dad. He was obviously your role model and inspiration and that's a huge loss.

[@cheongphorwee7247]

9(

[@MsBananallama]

I was learning chemistry for fun with Tyler's videos. he was teaching it for fun. Best teacher I've had privilege of studying. ♥️ And I learned to love chemistry from him.

[@dannyy.k]

This was a wonderful watch!

[@gloriachiziwa7633]

The best chemistry lecturer i will forever appreciate you for making me love chemistry...you teach chemistry the simplest way❤❤❤to the professor 🥂🥂

[@surgep]

I had a professor link your videos to their classes. Because they like how you explain chemistry.

[@anacamargo7181]

I agree with your ideas and comments. I'm taking organic chemistry and my high grade is attributed to your videos. My professor is great but her thick accent combined by her broken English makes really difficult to grasp any content. I'm grateful I can rely on your teachings and learn the material. You're fabulous! Thank you for what you do.

[@johndonaldson3619]

It todays job market: Don't tell me where you've been, tell me what YOU CAN DO

[@wendytrejo1855]

I'm not crying, you're crying. Tyler I passed chemistry because of you. I'm so indebted to you, I'm grateful for your content. Thank you so very much!!

[@jameji]

my chemistry professor suggests his videos for difficult concepts. this man is an amazing educator.

[@frenchlearner19]

You're my hero. I cannot overstate how much your videos have helped me. And you're absolutely right, academia needs an overhaul, with people like you at the helm, getting the full credit you deserve for putting millions of students through their courses and helping them fundamentally understand the material (when their own teachers couldn't)

[@mariammohamed3815]

Without you chemistry would remain a heavy thing to me . since i saw your videos chemistry became my favorite . and it helped me to find my aim . Actually You're the best teacher 💖💖💖💖

[@bhavanahasthi7109]

tyler dewitt sir is back,,,,we r so glad sir we want more,more videos from u

[@goldenapplesaga5446]

My hero-

[@mishkikistrengthoftheearth4933]

This is some dangerous territory. I think moving online entirely would be absolutely terrible for many reasons.

[@_XxXxX]

Explain why.

[@joshyman221]

Well I think standardizing everything around the world would be bad... I’m from the UK and if you read the courses in a university like Cambridge compared to Manchester say, they’re night and day. And that’s fine, because I think Cambridge expects it’s students to grasp the basics much faster. My point is standardizing things like this on a mass scale could backfire hard.

[@mishkikistrengthoftheearth4933]

@@_XxXxX my passion in life is teaching. If things go online entirely which they pretty much are now you lose that personal relationship with students. What about making friends in class! What about practicing techniques with your hands. I want to be a lecturer so bad but not in a online world

[@MISTERGODOT12]

absolutely terrible for many reasons ? Mais quelles raisons ? Votre argumentation est un peu courte !-))

[@_XxXxX]

@@mishkikistrengthoftheearth4933 I agree. That's a good point but.. Honestly, i had more than 95% of bad teacher for only 5% of golden teacher who are just in class to teach the students and get a special relationship to help them in the perfect way. I'm not gonna lie, if i had something lile 50/50 of these teacher, maybe i could agree with teh fact that it could be a bad thing to go online but.. let's be honest, there's way to many bad teachers now for the smal percentage of golden teacher (i hope like you). Sorry for my bad english btw, i'm french :/

[@katiebeck9327]

I love that Professor DeWitt is thinking about and acting on innovative ideas that can accelerate and improve our educational models. I believe it is wise, as often as possible, to allow the provider and the consumer to collaborate on defining standards and measures of success. Education is one of the few fields that currently provides very little input from the consumer to define success. I believe the model must change to enable the innovation we must achieve.

[@naominamisanvu8684]

Thanks Tyler for sharing your story and teaching us chemistry 😊

[@jadej187]

If it were not for your videos I would not be a nurse, I would often feel lost in class but after your videos I would ace my tests.. I use to say I was going to shout you out at grad, you are definitely gifted. Thank you

[@abidahasnain2638]

You are mind blowing, awesome, amazing, and.......an...d......just......best ! You are understanding our pain in the best way !

[@bigataclarisseclaudette9432]

I learned a lot from you really! Thank you so much Tyler

[@PalomaNegra873]

He's currently one of my professors.

[@muzammilhabib1461]

How lucky

[@TonesCalifornia]

Excellent portrayal of the future in education. As one having benefited from these types of teaching videos, I certainly agree with the topic. In my humble opinion, if Dr. Dewitt and Crash Course were to team up and collaborate, they would most likely create teaching masterpieces. They already do it on their own. Imagine all that talent working and creating together!

[@patiencekalua5650]

Tyler you're still changing millions of chemistry students today myself included. Thank you thank thank you

[@mewying5184]

I love you tyler "The best youtuber"

[@analinagarcia]

Tyler is amazing. Ego checked. A break down master. A storyteller. So grateful for what he has done.

[@kayfoster5857]

This man changed my academic life (science wise 😉) love love love this man.

[@noreenmorris8478]

I love you Tyler, you're the best. Thanks for helping me . 😄

[@JGscienceGaming]

You’re the best Tyler thank you so much

[@MiniHooper11108]

I have to thank you for each video that you post . They help me alot with my chemistry classes..I really appreciate all the efforts that you did. Best wishes and luck

[@suzannedavis168]

I am learning chemistry from you and DR B on KZbin right now.

[@thekey9559]

He is not only the best but the greatest... thank you tyler

[@saranshsharma1192]

Thank you Tyler you helped a lot!!

[@TheRed1285]

Okay.....So, I am watching my guru and inspiration Tyler sir on TED He deserves the most to be here! 🥰 Love from India and depth of my heart❤

[@apstrike]

There is a workaround, though it's insufficient: CLEP testing. Depending on the college and the course, many schools will allow students to test out of subjects via the CLEP program. Learn the subject however you like, even on KZbin, and take the test when you're ready.

[@Bilbus7]

That'd be beautiful.

[@CourtOfWinter]

We had different types of courses at my home universities, but for those that were purely lecture + exam you could basically always just take the exam without ever going to the lecture. Often there wasn't even a registration for visiting the lecture, just for the specific exam date you want to go to.

[@essay5991]

I imagine you would still be charged for the course you didn’t take if you want credit. Is that right? If so, appalling and not surprising. Even if they give a half-rate, they’d still be dragging in money they didn’t earn.

[@olamideoyeleye703]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@katsciencelacat5855]

Seeing Tyler getting older hurts alot😣

[@Harry-cb6pj]

The Obi-Wan Kenobi of chemistry!!!!

[@hellorhighwater8543]

Tyler helped me every day throughout my chem course! (Foff Dad). He helped foster my enthusiasm for science and my interest in the natural world. I am deeply grateful for his passion and vision. Dewitt for president!

[@miladyamalia6446]

Wao! Speechless, thank you!

[@matthewbrown6163]

I went back to university to get my M Sc. It was online & very difficult to re-learn my study habits, I too had to learn Physics after many years away from the classroom / lecture room. I prefer to learn fast & hard so I supplement my online classes with YT.

[@silkpharmacy5904]

Excellent. This is the start of a new era.

[@Eebz515]

Tyler is the best 🙌🏽🙌🏽