Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Will TikTok replace textbooks in the classroom? 94% of teachers, according to Education Week, are using TikTok to find ideas related to education, from which they create lesson plans, show science experiments, and use the platform to reach students in novel ways. But is this new wave of digital engagement the future of classroom innovation —or a distraction that undermines the integrity of the teaching profession?
Some teachers say it is important to meet students where they are. Using TikTok can help make whatever subjects they study more digestible and adaptable to different types of learners. From science tutorials to historical explainers, the platform can become an informal classroom of its own. Other teachers argue that, while it’s well-intended, apps like TikTok are designed to entertain and keep eyes glued to the screen, not to inform, educate, or nurture critical thought. They also point out data showing how social media apps are linked to harming children’s mental health and other issues.
As another school year begins, two chemistry teachers debate the question: TikTok in the Classroom: Enhancing or Eroding the Teaching Profession?
Enhance: Phil Cook, Education Influencer and High School Chemistry Teacher
Erode: Adrian Dingle, Second Schoolteacher and Education Consultant
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
Visit OpentoDebate.org to watch more insightful debates.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on our curated weekly debates, dynamic live events, and educational initiatives.
Additional debates to watch:
Debate: Should The U.S. Ban TikTok? Kori Schake vs Milton Mueller youtu.be/tQQZQsC-uts
Mock Trial: Murthy v. Missouri - Free Speech, Government & Misinformation on Social Media Platforms youtu.be/o0C5zmwRrMk
Debate: Is Social Media Bad for Kids’ Mental Health? youtu.be/LvuUZ6kkPhw
#tiktok #education #teachingstrategies #EducationWeek
===================================
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00:00:00 – Introduction: TikTok in the Classroom: Enhancing or Eroding Teaching?
00:03:27 – Opening Statement: Phil Cook (Arguing "Enhance")
00:07:33 – Opening Statement: Adrian Dingle (Arguing "Erode")
00:11:48 – What Is Your Opponent Arguing?
00:13:06 — Moderator Summary
00:14:16 – Is Entertainment Part of a Teacher’s Job?
00:17:47 – Should Teachers Reach Every Student?
00:20:33 – Attention Spans, Addiction, and Screen Time
00:23:03 – Is There a Responsible Way to Use TikTok in Schools?
00:25:10 – Does TikTok Undermine Classroom Seriousness?
00:28:04 – Using TikTok for Labs and Assessments
00:32:33 – What Does the Research Say About Using TikTok in the Classroom?
00:35:53 – Does TikTok Harm Deep Learning?
00:41:22 – Is It Possible To Take Social Media Out Of The Equation?
00:47:55 – Teaching Students to Spot Misinformation on TikTok
00:53:19 – Closing Statement: Phil Cook
00:55:36 – Closing Statement: Adrian Dingle
00:57:28 – Final Thoughts
Will TikTok replace textbooks in the classroom? 94% of teachers, according to Education Week, are using TikTok to find ideas related to education, from which they create lesson plans, show science experiments, and use the platform to reach students in novel ways. But is this new wave of digital engagement the future of classroom innovation —or a distraction that undermines the integrity of the teaching profession?
Some teachers say it is important to meet students where they are. Using TikTok can help make whatever subjects they study more digestible and adaptable to different types of learners. From science tutorials to historical explainers, the platform can become an informal classroom of its own. Other teachers argue that, while it’s well-intended, apps like TikTok are designed to entertain and keep eyes glued to the screen, not to inform, educate, or nurture critical thought. They also point out data showing how social media apps are linked to harming children’s mental health and other issues.
As another school year begins, two chemistry teachers debate the question: TikTok in the Classroom: Enhancing or Eroding the Teaching Profession?
Enhance: Phil Cook, Education Influencer and High School Chemistry Teacher
Erode: Adrian Dingle, Second Schoolteacher and Education Consultant
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
Visit OpentoDebate.org to watch more insightful debates.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on our curated weekly debates, dynamic live events, and educational initiatives.
Additional debates to watch:
Debate: Should The U.S. Ban TikTok? Kori Schake vs Milton Mueller youtu.be/tQQZQsC-uts
Mock Trial: Murthy v. Missouri - Free Speech, Government & Misinformation on Social Media Platforms youtu.be/o0C5zmwRrMk
Debate: Is Social Media Bad for Kids’ Mental Health? youtu.be/LvuUZ6kkPhw
#tiktok #education #teachingstrategies #EducationWeek
===================================
Subscribe: youtube.com/@OpentoDebate
Official site: opentodebate.org
Newsletter: opentodebate.org/insight
X: twitter.com/OpentoDebateOrg
Facebook: facebook.com/BeOpentoDebate
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/opentodebate
Instagram: instagram.com/opentodebateorg
TikTok: tiktok.com/@opentodebateorg
Open to Debate Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/bdzmz5xt
Open to Debate Spotify Podcasts: tinyurl.com/22tuxu7h
===================================
00:00:00 – Introduction: TikTok in the Classroom: Enhancing or Eroding Teaching?
00:03:27 – Opening Statement: Phil Cook (Arguing "Enhance")
00:07:33 – Opening Statement: Adrian Dingle (Arguing "Erode")
00:11:48 – What Is Your Opponent Arguing?
00:13:06 — Moderator Summary
00:14:16 – Is Entertainment Part of a Teacher’s Job?
00:17:47 – Should Teachers Reach Every Student?
00:20:33 – Attention Spans, Addiction, and Screen Time
00:23:03 – Is There a Responsible Way to Use TikTok in Schools?
00:25:10 – Does TikTok Undermine Classroom Seriousness?
00:28:04 – Using TikTok for Labs and Assessments
00:32:33 – What Does the Research Say About Using TikTok in the Classroom?
00:35:53 – Does TikTok Harm Deep Learning?
00:41:22 – Is It Possible To Take Social Media Out Of The Equation?
00:47:55 – Teaching Students to Spot Misinformation on TikTok
00:53:19 – Closing Statement: Phil Cook
00:55:36 – Closing Statement: Adrian Dingle
00:57:28 – Final Thoughts
