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I’m 29 years old, and I’ve made a point of not downloading TikTok. I already struggle with “multi-tasking” by working, listening to a podcast, and scrolling my phone. My shortening attention span always requires more stimulation to stay focused. TikTok seems like an endless trap.
When on Twitter for EC&I 832 I saw Holly Alexander tweeted about #booktok. I had never considered using TikTok in an educational setting, other than #teachertok humorously exposing the challenges of teaching.
As I browse TikTok I’m starting to see how these videos can be used to do short demonstrations, engage learners, and simply give exposure to topics. For my EC&I 834 Major Project, I plan on experimenting with TikTok trends in education. I’m definitely going to include the *star*, my dog, Mia. Stay tuned for bad dancing, book toks, and some laughs at my expense. Does anyone have a suggestion for another app to put to the teacher test?
Happy teaching,
Leah
This was a big social media platform that a lot of people dove into last semester to show their learning from their major learning project. Like you, this is still something that I am not ready to embark on. Let’s be honest, I have totally watched a few videos, or have been sent a few and have watched a few more, but I am not ready to fully invest in taking the time for it. Maybe it’s resistance, maybe I’m just an old gal, not sure. All I know is that I applaud you for trying something new and going outside of your comfort zone! If you’re interested, check out the eci831.ca blog page, and check out Leigh, Chris W. or Curtis N. They were three of the ones that stood out that I can remember anyways off hand. Anyways, good luck! I am looking forward to following along.
I downloaded TikTok for the first time last semester for EC&I831. I wasn’t planning for it to be one of my daily social media apps that I scroll, but it definitely is now! I’m still only a scroller, but I had the same idea as you, and I might try and make some videos for my project. They seem to bring out the creative side in most. Some TikToks are funny to watch, but some are educational. I hope you have fun!
Unlike Leah and Kelly, I have not been able to exhibit that level of self-control. I am sad to report that I have wasted many an hour(s) on the Tik Tok. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not ashamed of my algorithm (recipes, home DIY, teacher tips and the odd Kardashian video), but I believe that using TT as a tool would be a game-changer for my students. I am going to check out the book tok that you suggested in your post and I look forward to watching your final project develop!
I liked the idea of TikTok as it can be used in classrooms and is an interesting way to demonstrate lessons. Of course social media is very useful in teaching and we teachers can make the best use of it
Good for you Leah! I am rather illiterate when it comes to TikTok, and prefer it that way. I do recall getting the platform raising some eyebrows in education circles for the slap-a-teacher and bathroom challenges. Upon further investigation of challenges, my eyebrows are at an all-time high! I will admit though, I recently started following one TikToker (is that what they are called?) on Twitter who is a math professor, using his tips and strategies on my own kids. Test driving them before I take them out on the road with the students I see daily.
I couldn’t agree with you more that I have avoided TikTok just because of the rabbit hole I have heard it was. I struggle trying to balance work life, parenting, coaching, university and keeping up with a digital presence that sometimes I feel I need to give more in being present when I am at home instead of starring at a screen and that is why I have avoided certain apps, plus lack of true interest. Although with the increasing pressure of certain apps I have to agree that it may be time to dive into them, understand them, and maybe even have a little fun in doing so. I do plan on downloading the app and then taking a look into this booktok and teachertok areas, especially for the little laughs it may bring me!