A few weeks ago I came across this story in the NY Times about the social media platform TikTok, which is arguably the most popular social media outlet among teens these days.
Apparently, TikTok is being embraced by educators around the country - including some in West Orange, Florida. They like the way it brings students together collaboratively as students make and post videos that are 15 to 60 seconds long. Video subjects range from specific interests like video games to broader subjects like quirky things about a school's culture.
So far, schools are using TikToc as the basis of an extracurricular activity (i.e. TikToc Clubs that meet after school to create videos).
My question is, are there any ways that TikTock or other social media platforms can be infused into the curriculum? In other words, can TikToc or other social media platforms be used as tools to teach? What are the pros and cons of trying to incorporate social media platforms in our curricula?
