TikTok, a popular social media platform, has gained significant popularity among college students. This essay explores how educators can effectively leverage TikTok as a teaching tool to enhance engagement and learning in the college classroom.
Integrating TikTok in the college classroom can foster student engagement and active participation. The platform’s short-form videos and creative features provide a unique opportunity to capture students’ attention and make learning more interactive and enjoyable. When using TikTok in the college classroom, educators should carefully select and curate content that aligns with the course objectives and learning outcomes. It is crucial to ensure that the TikTok videos used are accurate, reliable, and relevant to the subject matter being taught.
TikTok can be a valuable tool for promoting student creativity and self-expression. Educators can assign TikTok video projects where students demonstrate their understanding of concepts, engage in critical thinking, and present their ideas in a concise and engaging manner. Collaborative learning can be enhanced through TikTok. Educators can encourage students to work in groups to create TikTok videos that explore complex topics, encouraging peer-to-peer teaching, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas.
TikTok offers opportunities for real-world connections and application of knowledge. Educators can challenge students to explore relevant social issues or current events through TikTok videos, promoting critical analysis and encouraging students to consider the broader implications of their learning. Assessing student learning through TikTok can be done by designing rubrics or evaluation criteria that focus on the content, creativity, and communication effectiveness of the videos. Educators can also encourage self-reflection by asking students to analyze their own videos and provide self-assessments. To ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment, educators should establish clear guidelines and expectations for using TikTok in the college classroom. Emphasizing respect, digital citizenship, and responsible use of technology is essential to create a positive and productive learning experience.
Professional development and training opportunities can empower educators to effectively use TikTok in the college classroom. By gaining a deeper understanding of the platform’s features, privacy settings, and best practices, educators can maximize its potential as a teaching tool. It is important for educators to be aware of potential challenges or limitations when using TikTok. These may include accessibility issues, privacy concerns, and varying levels of familiarity with the platform among students. Adapting instructional strategies and providing alternative options can address these challenges.
In conclusion, TikTok can be a valuable tool for educators in the college classroom to enhance student engagement, creativity, and learning. By thoughtfully selecting content, promoting collaboration, assessing learning effectively, establishing guidelines, and continuously developing their own digital skills, educators can harness the potential of TikTok to create an engaging and enriching learning experience for college students.
Matt Marino, in his capacity as an adjunct professor, has taught coursework in Information Technology, Business and Professional Communication, Management Information Systems, Technology, Web Development, Python Programming, Database Systems, Small Business Management, and Principles of Management. Mr. Marino’s experiences have led to him teaching at Monmouth University, Ocean County College, Bowling Green State University, Seton Hall University, and Rowan University since January 2016. Marino has taught courses in all modalities: face-to-face, hybrid, and online.
When he is not teaching Mr. Marino likes to try to advance scholarly content within the various fields of education, which led to the creation of this website.