Would you want to get your studies done watching TikToks or Reels?

Daria Chekalskaia Guest Author

Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences is revolutionizing the educational landscape by introducing a course taught entirely on… TikTok: https://www.haaga-helia.fi/fi/ideatobusiness. Is it an amazing way to keep up with trends and what is already happening, or is it a disastrous way to legitimize a short attention span? Some might argue.

The “Idea to Business” course at Haaga-Helia, offered exclusively on TikTok, blends academia and digital innovation. It covers entrepreneurship from conception to execution, with topics like problem-solving for profit, understanding your target customer, marketing strategies, and sales tactics. For those aspiring to venture into the entrepreneurial world, it provides a comprehensive foundation and practical steps for developing business ideas. And yes, assignments could be also delivered in the comments.

How many hours do you spend watching short videos anyways? I do a lot… Would you consider getting a degree doing this?

Benefits:

  • Accessibility: By utilizing TikTok, Haaga-Helia makes learning more accessible. Short video lectures mean students can learn anytime, anywhere, breaking down barriers of traditional classroom settings. Exactly what we do through micro-courses in XAMK too!
  • Engagement: The interactive nature of TikTok, with its short, captivating videos, promises higher engagement levels. This platform, already popular among the youth, so why not engage youth where they are already having fun? Fun, by the way, increases the retention.
  • Experimentation: Haaga-Helia’s bold move aligns with its core value of embracing change as an opportunity. This experiment could pave the way for more educational content on social platforms, blending learning with entertainment.
  • Contextualized Learning: The course meets students on a platform where they already spend a significant amount of time. This strategy could enhance learning by making it part of students’ daily digital routines.

Drawbacks:

  • Attention span disorders: The flip side of using TikTok is its contribution to shrinking attention spans. The platform, known for rapid content consumption, might challenge the depth of learning.
  • Distraction risks: The risk of distraction is high. Students might find it challenging to focus on educational content amidst the plethora of entertainment options available on TikTok.
  • Privacy laws in EU: Well, let’s not forget that those apps like TikTok were forbidden for a reason.

Exploring TikTok for educational content through micro-learning showcases its potential for varied subjects. Mathematics, science, or languages could be made more engaging with short, digestible videos. Similarly, history could be revived through captivating storytelling, as personal experiences with Instagram reels suggest. TikTok could also foster critical thinking by encouraging dynamic discussions on global news, moving beyond meme consumption. Moreover, the arts could gain wider appreciation through visually appealing snippets, making this platform a versatile tool for sparking curiosity and learning across different domains.

However, I think you all know that already, as we consume these sorts of info daily these days…

Is XAMK too late for the game?

Should the formal educational content be on social media? I’m curious about your thoughts on this innovative approach. Which content do you think would thrive on platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Should XAMK consider adopting such strategies? Would you engage with educational content on these platforms, and how would you feel encountering your teacher in such informal settings? Share your insights and suggestions at daria.chekalskaia@xamk.fi. Your feedback could shape the future of education at XAMK.

Daria Chekalskaia
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