When you hear the words “tik tok,” the first thing that comes to mind might be the sound a clock makes. Or, maybe you immediately think about the app that is a huge craze with kids and some adults. I knew about Tik Tok – the app, that is – and had heard that some teachers were using it, but I hadn’t really considered using it myself.
Until now.
In today’s post, I’m going to tell you all about my conversation with Ashley Guerrero. Ashley, who is known around the online world as @heyashleyg, is actually Tik Tok famous in the teacher world. And with more than 60,000 followers, she’s getting to be pretty Tik Tok famous in any world. Ashley shared with me how she uses the app to relate to her students and produce and consume bite-sized professional development. She also shared some guidelines for using Tik Tok in a way that is professional and appropriate.
If you’re like me, you probably have a lot of questions about using Tik Tok as a teacher. So, let’s get right to it!
Why Tik Tok?
Ashley hadn’t heard much about Tik Tok, and what she had heard from parents was largely negative. When her 10-year-old stepdaughter starting asking for it, Ashley decided it was time for them to dig into the app – together. What she found there was certainly some content that was not appropriate for her stepdaughter, there was also plenty that was. And with careful monitoring, Tik Tok became a way for them to bond. They watched videos and made some, too.
Then one day, some of Ashley’s students mentioned they had seen her videos when she showed up on their Tik Tok 4U pages. And Ashley saw an opportunity.
Bonding with Students
Ashley quickly realized that Tik Tok gave her a common language to use with her students. She was able to take a social media platform the kids were already into and give it a positive spin. It turned out to be a great way to further build on her Know-Like-Trust factor with her students.
Would it surprise you to learn that the app can be incorporated into lessons in the classroom, too? Ashley gave an example of a time she used the popular Tik Tok song, “Don’t Be Suspicious” in the middle of a lesson on Texas history. Her students got a huge kick out of it and that moment no doubt helped solidify their learning.
Providing Bite-Sized Professional Development
It’s not just students who can benefit from Tik Tok to enhance their learning. Teachers can, too! The app is a great vehicle for delivering quick, easy to digest professional development. Younger teachers especially appreciate bite-sized PD. Tik Tok videos can be no longer than 60 seconds. This provides teaches with a quick win – they can take away something they can implement quickly and feel successful.
Using Tik Tok the Right Way
As a teacher, there are eyes on you. All the time. Not just inside the classroom. And not just students’ eyes. If you choose to be on Tik Tok, remember all those eyes – students, parents, colleagues, administrators. So while it might be tempting to join in on some of the trendy dances, it’s important to always keep in mind what kind of message you are sending.
Ashley said she always keeps one of her favorite quotes in mind, “Perception is reality.” One of her goals is to be a positive role model and to show students that you can get followers and gain “popularity” online for positive behavior.
Getting Started on Tik Tok
Like I mentioned earlier, I had thought about exploring Tik Tok as a teaching tool, but didn’t really know where to start. The good news is that Ashley does – and she shared her tips with me.
- Check out what is trending on the app and see how you could incorporate it into your instruction
- Realize that what is trending is constantly changing, so you need to keep up to date
- Use a trending sound when giving your teacher tip or sharing information – this will get you greater visibility
- Aim to get as much visibility as possible in the first hour after your video airs
- Have fun with it!
Why Tik Tok is Perfect for SPED Teachers
Special education teachers have a ton of knowledge. Sharing this knowledge with other teachers helps everyone. And sharing this knowledge via the app is quick and easy for the teacher doing the sharing as well as all of the teachers who will benefit from it. So think about all of those golden nuggets you have hidden away in your brain. Those tricks of the trade and special things you do that make a difference in your classroom. Then, get your phone out, put on a little lipgloss, and make that video! I did!
I can’t wait to hear how you plan to use this platform. Share your ideas and favorite PD videos you discover. And make sure you are in our Facebook Group for special education teachers. It’s a great place to ask questions, gain insights, and learn.
Back to school is right around the corner. Check out some of my back to school resources to help get your year started off on the right foot, whether you’ll be teaching virtually or in the classrooom. If you’re new to special ed, don’t miss this blog post!
Dawn’s Back to School Resources
