If there’s a will to learn, there’s a way.
TikTok is fast becoming a household name, especially among the Gen Z.
The short-form video platform reported reaching one billion users as of September 2021. It had even dethroned Google as the most popular website last year and was among the fastest-growing brands in 2020 and 2021.
But like any social media network, TikTok has its share of cons to go with the pros.
Concerns have previously been raised on the platform’s privacy, appropriateness, and suggestiveness, among other factors. It has also been host to negative “challenges” and misinformation.
“Study first. Don’t use too much TikTok… Study first, so you can have knowledge,” TV personality KaladKaren Davila once joked, echoing a popular sentiment that children today are more focused on social media than academics.
Notwithstanding the criticism, TikTok has partnered with educators to combine short-form entertainment and learning as part of its #LearnOnTikTok program. It has invested at least $15 million for the initiative that offers infotainment like life hacks, science tutorials, motivational tips, and quick recipes.
Rather than discourage the use of the platform, institutions like Times Higher Education have advocated its appeal in inspiring people to learn new knowledge and skills.
TikTok has likewise promoted its top educational content creators internationally and in the Philippines.
Here are select TikTok accounts out there making a difference in how we teach and learn today.
Medicine
Dr. Kilimanguru (@dockilimanguru) is a licensed medical doctor and public health education advocate. His specialty is treating his audience to medical advice and debunking common myths.
@dockilimanguru Malabo ang mata? Kakaselpon mo yan! #kilimanguru #learnontiktok ♬ original sound – Dr. Kilimanguru
Pharmacy
Arshie Larga (@arshielife) is a registered pharmacist who prescribes qualified information on daily medications and drugs.
@arshielife Kailangan mo bang uminom ng antibiotic kung ikaw ay inuubo/sinisipon/masakit ang lalamunan? #learnontiktok #tiktokswela #healthtokph ♬ original sound – Arshie Larga
History
Mighty Magulang (@mightymagulang) is a genealogist and “history geek” who narrates the Philippine past and corrects false notions about key events and figures.
@mightymagulang #December30 #todayinhistory Jose Rizal was martyred in 1896. #kasaysayan #genealogy #eduwow ♬ original sound – Mighty Magulang
Language
Teacher Ayn (@aynperotagalog) is known for being a content creator and entrepreneur. She has also taught English professionally in Spain and continues to offer lessons on the language through TikTok.
@aynperotagalog Reply to @jamnea ACTIVE vs. PASSIVE VOICE #teacherayn #tiktokskwela #languagelesson #learnontiktok ♬ original sound – AynPeroTagalog IG:aynbernos – Teacher Ayn
Religion
Fr. Fiel Pareja (@fatherfielpareja) enlightens followers about spiritual topics, posting reflections and readings of bible verses daily.
@fatherfielpareja PAALAM TIKTOK: #bibleversedailywithfatherfiel ♬ original sound – Fr. Fiel Pareja
Mathematics
Mrs. Kelly (@the_mrskelly) is an elementary school teacher who simplifies math concepts and operations.
@the_mrskelly Please go follow my IG and YOUTUBE! #mathtime #mathteacher #mrskellymath ♬ Pull up challenge Bryansanon mr 217 – Bryansanon
Science
Phillip Cook (@chemteacherphil) is a high school teacher who makes the elements seem elementary and conducts class experiments to keep it interesting.
@chemteacherphil It’s all elemental #todayilearned #tiktokteachers ♬ original sound – Phillip Cook
Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash
