Use of TikTok by teachers

Just as in most tools of this sort, the social media platform TikTok is not bad per se. The case, however, of a public school teacher in Cebu City shaming her “cheating” students on TikTok presents an opportunity for reflection.

The Department of Education-7 has already vowed to look into the viral video originally posted on the TikTok account #laagangteacher. According to a report by The FREEMAN, the teacher could be heard questioning why two of her students obtained almost the same scores, with the same correct and wrong answers. The DepEd-7 through its information officer has confirmed that the teacher in the viral video is from the Cebu City Division.

I agree with the following comment from a netizen which was republished in the newspaper report: “Kuyawa maestraha. Cheating is bad gyud pero sayop sad imong approach Maam! Another shuestra nga nakalitan sa Tiktok, jusko. I felt sorry sa students, sayop inyung gibuhat kung tinood man gani nag-cheat mo pero dili ninyo deserved ing ani-on. This is public humiliation! Public shaming!"

I saw the video myself, reshared many times by netizens, and I reacted with a sigh of “here we go again.” I’ve seen quite a number of similar cringe-worthy videos of public school teachers (in their uniforms) showing their dancing talents or their goofy side on TikTok.

Perhaps these TikTok videos may just be in the spirit of good fun or simply as an outlet for self-expression amid the pressures of work. I particularly appreciate those that are creatively crafted which really connect with the youth and inject some fun into learning. But truth to tell, in many instances these videos on TikTok by a few teachers from DepEd only betray the performers’ theatrical lack of finesse and class.

Social media like YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok tend to expose people’s susceptibility to work on life’s usual problems and frustrations loudly in the public square. As I said many times in this column, just like any other modern tool of various eras, social media can exploit human weaknesses and become dangerous if basic instincts get in the way of prudence.

Beyond just reprimanding the teacher in this particular TikTok video, I hope our DepEd officials will take this opportunity to think about not just the negative side but also the positive side of social media, particularly its potential as teaching-learning tools. DepEd can design a training program for teachers on the use of social media in the school context.

Senior education officials may frown on social media usage as an effective method for teaching, but there is no doubt to those who understand the new media’s potentials that the latter can become effective teaching-learning tools. Studies show that social media can enhance in-school literacy instruction.

Likewise, there is ample evidence as one study shows that “student literacy practices and reading communities exist in digital forms, such as social media platforms like TikTok, even without a classroom space or mandated instruction.” Another study shows that TikTok can help increase self-confidence among students. And another one shows how TikTok can become a medium of learning for the pronunciation skill or pronunciation of students.

Students in general have a positive attitude toward TikTok as a video aid in learning. In one study, respondents expressed a strong desire to use a TikTok application to watch and understand all the content associated with basic English skills.

Mass media has also affirmed TikTok’s status as “the de facto space to keep up with popular trends, find new music, watch “hot takes” on any number of topics, and, of course, laugh.” Thus, TikTok videos from educators do not have to be academically uptight or formal.

Teachers, for example, may take a page or two from Prof. Francisco Ablong Jr. of Silliman University’s Physics Department. A viral video of him on TikTok dubbed “When you’re not really into Physics but your Physics professor is…” garnered at least 2.2 million view and over 700,000 ‘hearts’.

Other examples of good TikTok videos from teachers are the ones that motivate and inspire other teachers, those that show fun science experiments and arouse curiosity about the subject, those that engage students in subjects they may find too technical or specialized, and those that cultivate positive relations with students. No doubt our public school teachers have potential and can be oriented and encouraged toward that direction.