What is TikTok? Can I Use It? Is there bad stuff on it?

TikTok is Musically...all shiny and new and re-packaged for more lip-syncing, teenage fun. Yes, there's bad stuff on it so I've curated the following clips and associated them with lessons I've done to TEACH with IT. This idea horrifies my 14 year old.

Here's my agenda with TikTok...I'm trying to grab my students' attention with it as an app, and as an example of powerful coding. I ask them what else is so potentially lucrative to learn as coding and can be self taught? My message is with practice and patience they too can build something like this. It's an uphill battle to get the average teen to look at learning to code as anything but another class, but here are some insights in how I'm trying to teach with TikTok.

TikTok is Teen Commentary:

1. Review the TikTok “Cry for You” video embedded above.
2. Divide into groups of two.
3. Choose an endangered animal, dinosaur, insect, bird, plant, civilizations, etc.
4. Write commentary about the subject and why “you will never see me again” is appropriate. For instance, the T-Rex is extinct because of changes in climate and food sources.
5. Read and record the commentary, also add text facts to the TikTok about who, what, where, when, why.
6. Make close-up videos at different angles- dancing is encouraged!
7. Play for each other in class and poll reactions.
8. Switch topics and the other person record their commentary.

TikTok is Totally about Teachers!

1. Review the TikTok “Headlines” video embedded above.
2. Divide into groups of two.
3. Choose a class rule.
4. Write commentary about the subject and why this Drake song is appropriate. In this song, Drake is saying that we go through things together so what can we do in class to make it a win-win? No homework on certain days of the week, a review before a test, extra credit, extra challenges for a homework pass, what can we do together so no one deserves to step on LEGOS. 
5. Read and record the commentary.
6. Make close-up videos at different angles- dancing is encouraged!
7. Play for each other in class and poll reactions.
8. Switch topics and the other person record their commentary.

TikTok is a Newer, Fun, Entrepreneurial Branding Tool

Gary V. is a mega popular figure in the world of sales and internet marketing and has a terrific, inspiring and fast paced way of viewing the world. Enjoy him in you YouTube channel with the link below, but make sure your kiddos aren’t in the room as he tends to swear….alot…. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCctXZhXmG-kf3tlIXgVZUlw

1. Review the TikTok “for you page” video embedded above with super successful, always colorful Gary V.
2. Divide into groups of two.
3. Choose a business, project, flip, or entrepreneurial idea that you’re interested in that you think would make you money immediately.
4. Write commentary about the subject. Gary V. has tons of money, but still loves the thrill of finding treasures at garage sales and turning around and selling them for more money than he purchased them with. Can you do the same? Do you have baseball cards, toys, paintings, books, comics, clothing, sneakers, anything that is sitting in your room and you can sell on e-Bay? Why are the skills of selling important to an entrepreneur and why is your time valuable? Why not just work for someone else? Why spend time trying to work for yourself and hunting through garage sales? Can you make your own brand selling stuff? What is a brand? Name some brands you see in your classroom or some brands you’re wearing.
5. Read and record the commentary with added information about entrepreneurship.
6. Make close-up videos at different angles.
7. Play for each other in class and poll reactions.
8. Switch topics and the other person record their commentary.

TikTok is the Same Song (OVER AND OVER) with Different Videos or Memes Attached

1. Review the TikTok “#Countdown321” video embedded above.
2. Divide into groups of two.
3. Make a written storyboard of the steps of a problem, the steps of setting up a lab, the steps of making a story, the steps of finding a solution, the steps of a problem and why there’s no solution.
4. Write commentary about the subject and why this Countdown song is appropriate. How can we make large problems into small steps that are more easily understood and solved? How can we have fun with the process of waiting or researching? What can we do when we don’t have answers and need direction? Hint-libraries. 
5. Read and record the commentary.
6. Make close-up videos at different angles- dancing is encouraged!
7. Play for each other in class and poll reactions.
8. Switch topics and the other person record their commentary.

TikTok is an “EXPLAINER” Video

1. Review the TikTok “@xenoicxavier” video embedded above.
2. Divide into groups of two.
3. Choose an insect, animal, fish, planet, food, movie, song, book, comic, Avenger, basically anything for an opinion piece and write why you like or dislike it.
4. Read and record the commentary while making close-up videos at different angles.
5. Play for each other in class and poll reactions.
6. Switch topics and the other person record their commentary.

TikTok is a Challenge To Do It Yourself- Like the Ice Bucket Challenge

1. Review the TikTok “Jump In the Line” video embedded above.
2. This may be a whole class project or divide into groups.
3. Choose a lab or a project or PE Pacer Test or something that has physical steps.
4. In this song, we are trying to accomplish a task in steps that is challenging while making it physical and fun. For example, a grade 3 teacher asks all the students to stand up, place their chairs on the top of their desks, one at a time, and line up at the classroom door. You are trying to make a mundane task a fundane task or a task that takes an unreasonable amount of time something that’s enjoyable and quick. Kids pay attention when the timer and the camera are on!
5. Act and record.
6. Play for each other in class and poll reactions.

TikTok is Time Lapse Video

1. Review the TikTok “@moniquebutay” video embedded above.
2. This may be a whole class project or divide into groups.
3. Choose cleaning up a classroom, organizing a space, a lab, a project, PE Pacer Test, or something that has physical steps.
4. In this challenge, we are trying to accomplish a task in steps taking a before video, stopping the video, and taking a video of the finished product. For example, setting up a lab that has many pieces, cleaning up a lunch table, cleaning cubbies, organizing a bookshelf anything that makes a difference between the before and after. You are trying to make a mundane task a fundane task or a task that takes an unreasonable amount of time something that’s enjoyable and quick. Kids pay attention when the timer and the camera are on!
5. Act and record.
6. Play for each other in class and poll reactions.

TikTok #Hashtags

• # are overused and not super useful in TikTok.
• Yes, you can see a bunch of TikToks with the same categorized hashtags.
• A very popular hashtag is #adulting, this DOES NOT mean you can see stuff ONLY on that #hashtag or the stuff is “adult”.
• Most popular #TikTok, September 2019 are:
• #adulting with 354.2m views
• #sksksk with 719.9m views
• #countdown321 with 152.1m views
• #vmaunlocked with 220.1m views

TikTok Defined by Wikipedia

The application allows users to create short music and lip-sync videos of 3 to 15 seconds and short looping videos of 3 to 60 seconds. It is popular in Asia, United States, and other parts of the world. 

TikTok is not available in China and its servers are based in countries where the app is available.

In 2018, the application gained popularity and became the most downloaded app in the U.S. in October 2018.

 As of 2018, it is available in over 150 markets, and in 75 languages. In February 2019, TikTok, together with Douyin, hit one billion downloads globally, excluding Android installs in China. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TikTok

Wanna Be a TikTok Star?

Here are some great talking points to discuss with your students or kids about TikTok and building a social media fan base.

TikTok Audience Building

Ask your Teens, if you wanna be a TikTok star, why should people "follow" you? Do you offer something a kid relates to, or a parent, or a team, or a struggle? Last night my girls showed me a kid mocking his mom giving him driving tips and it was HEE-LARIOUS! "Oh look, there's Denise!"

What can you offer that other people want to see or that will make you stand out? TikTok is entertaining and visual so can you write a joke, make a craft on hyper-lapse, sing, dance or make a spoof? How about a bad mock-u-mentary? Anything mocking convention is good! Are you so bad at those things that you can make your videos funny? Motivate, educate, improve a process? All of those may be very valuable to your audience or their parents or teachers!

Try to be niche – like make dog videos if those seem to get more eyes on your account than a craft video or a video of your class. Successful TikTokers make videos that they know their audience will love and not to everyone.

Perfect Your Profile

TikTok profiles are just like other social profiles- important. This is you in a nutshell and what do you want in a couple of seconds to be known for or what do you think is appropriate for your tribe?

What is creative about your profile and why should I subscribe to you?

Your profile will be where you make your first impression to many people, so you want it to stand out from the crowd.

If you are beginning from scratch, you have the chance to create the perfect username. You want it to be easy for people to say and spell, and preferably relevant to you and your niche. Ideally, you should have the same username on all your social profiles, so your TikTok fans will know when they have found your YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram channels.

The type of videos you intend to share should be obvious to anybody looking at your profile.

Be careful, though, particularly if you are a typical young TikToker. Some creeps misuse TikTok. Don’t give away too much personal information on your profile, or upload image/videos that dodgy people may abuse. For this reason, you should ensure that nothing in the background of your images/videos give too much information about where you live.

Follow the Rules with TikTok

There are certain expectations of TikTokers when they upload videos. For a start, you need to ensure you don’t breach TikTok’s content guidelines. There should be nothing inappropriate in your videos; no hate speech, racism, etc. Again, reinforce that some adults do misuse TikTok, so be careful when uploading videos of yourself doing perfectly normal everyday activities that creeps might abuse (is it really a good idea to upload videos of you and your friends at a slumber party?)

Yes, everyone and anyone can see your TikToks.

Produce Good Content

Make stuff! Make good, fun content that you like and your friends and family like... without being hung up on pleasing people. Try not to be a “one hit wonder” by giving people goof stuff fairly consistently. Make a video along a theme like making fun of your parents' driving tips and produce that type of video once a month or if you have the time, once a week. If your fans know to expect a specific type of video for you each Friday, they will look forward to them and are more likely to share them or show their friends. They may even show their parents!

Look up and experiment with vertical vs. horizontal videos. What looks best? How can I get closer and more detailed? How can I hold my hand steadier?

Engage Your Audience

Answer questions and comments if you have the time and ONLY with your parents permission. You should spend time learning the skills of successful film making. Try to make each video better than the last one.

My TikTok Take

Don’t take my word for it! Grab your kid and watch it with them! Yes, there is inappropriate language and other stuff that your kids need to wade through, but it’s not that much different than searching for a TV show or movie to watch. Don’t be afraid of stuff that makes you squirm because like it or not, our kids are exposed and watching this stuff…so dive in and swim around and find the entertainment and the joy in this creative outlet. You won’t be sorry! Also, if your kids make TikToks, they can be private or public and to enforce this is fairly simple by taking a looksie at the TikTok rules when downloading the app. The app also warns kids not to publish information about themselves.

TikTok is Run with Code NOT MAGIC… SO LEARN TO PROGRAM!

Love these statistics:

• 6th most downloaded app worldwide.
• Installed about 800 million times.
• Approximately 500 mln active users.
• Around a million page views per day,
• Reaches 150 million daily users.

TikTok Lives on Code and So Can You! LEARN TO PROGRAM WITH:

You may practice the following languages on www.w3schools.com:

1. HTML

Start with easy codes for easy wins when you’re teaching kids! Don’t overwhelm them with too many rules or typing especially when working with little hands and minds that wander easily!

I suggest HTML and this website is filled with tons of HTML easy code examples that they can do in under 10 minutes including challenges. Seeing results quickly is important!

Some people will insist that HTML isn't a language and I know, however, it's an easy and fun and instant tool to use... An official definition is HTML, a markup language used for structuring and presenting content on the internet, and is used in a wide variety of internet applications. It’s an excellent first look into programming, and also great for users of WordPress or other content management systems. HTML allows you to work effectively with the web. 

2. PYTHON

This won't bite! Python is known for its high readability and simple rules. First created in 1989, there are great resources to learn Python effectively for free starting now. Plus, it's an easy language to see results quickly!

3. JAVASCRIPT

I love teaching with JavaScript as it's intuitive and you may easily gather information and display information from your users. It's a creative and interactive language and you can 'read' it fairly easily.

4. PHP

Another good starting language is PHP, an open source, general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for web development, and can be embedded into HTML.

All of the above languages can be learned at www.w3schools.com and Coursera! Ask your local library for free classes or join a Facebook group for group learning. Check out a community college or trade college or buy a How-To book. Spend an hour or two every day learning to code and who knows…. maybe someday you’ll create a TikTok.