TikTok Teachers: How Social Media is Changing Learning
By Adoma
Accra, Ghana — With just a ring light, a whiteboard, and a smartphone, 28-year-old teacher Isaac Mensah has become a minor celebrity among Ghanaian SHS students on TikTok. In 60-second videos, he simplifies complex math concepts, cracking jokes while solving equations.
“People call me ‘Teacher TikTok’,” he says, laughing. “At first it was just a hobby, now I have over 50,000 followers — and some parents even pay me to tutor their children.”
What began as entertainment has transformed into an educational revolution. Across Ghana and the continent, social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are reshaping how young people learn, share knowledge, and access study support.
Learning in the Age of Scrolls and Swipes
Traditional learning, long bound by chalk, dust, and heavy textbooks, is being challenged by bite-sized digital content.
On TikTok, a biology teacher raps about photosynthesis. On Instagram, a student posts daily flashcards for WAEC prep. On YouTube, entire lectures on African history draw tens of thousands of views.
“Attention spans are shorter,” says Dr. Esi Appiah, an education technology lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba. “But learners are still curious — just on different platforms.”
The New Digital Teachers
Many of these content creators aren’t certified teachers — but they are passionate, knowledgeable, and relatable.
Meet a few of them:
- @TeacherKobbyGH – Explains physics using household items like blenders and fans.
- @ScienceWithAkua – A final-year medical student simplifying science with skits.
- @HistoryIn30Seconds – Delivers Ghanaian and African history lessons using trending TikTok audio.
- @EnglishTips247 – Offers grammar fixes and essay tips to SHS students.
Their language is youthful. Their tools are free. Their reach? Nationwide — and beyond.
Students Speak Out
“I used to struggle with calculus,” says Benedicta, a final-year SHS student in Kumasi. “But one of Teacher TikTok’s videos made it so easy. Now I understand better than when the class teacher explains.”
Others say it’s not just about academics — it’s motivation too.
“Sometimes when I feel discouraged, I watch study reels on Instagram,” says Michael, a university freshman. “It reminds me I’m not alone.”
Parents Are Catching On
Initially skeptical, many parents now welcome the trend.
“At first I thought it was a waste of time,” says Madam Linda, a trader and mother of two. “But I watched one of the videos with my son — it made algebra look fun!”
Some are now investing in data bundles and even smartphones just for their children’s learning.
The Downsides of Digital
Despite the benefits, experts warn of the downsides:
- Distraction risk: Social media can easily lead students down time-wasting rabbit holes.
- Misinformation: Not all content is accurate or aligned with the national curriculum.
- Screen fatigue: Prolonged exposure to phones may harm sleep and concentration.
- Digital divide: Rural students or those from low-income households may lack devices or reliable internet.
“There’s potential, but we must be cautious,” warns Dr. Appiah. “These tools must complement, not replace, formal education.”
A Growing Market
EdTech startups are paying attention. Local apps like eCampus and uLesson now incorporate short video content, quizzes, and live tutoring — all accessible via mobile.
Meanwhile, content creators are monetizing through brand partnerships, private tutoring offers, and even YouTube ad revenue.
“It’s become a side hustle for many,” says Kobby, who teaches math on TikTok. “But the impact is real. My inbox is full of students saying I helped them pass.”
Schools Join the Trend
Forward-thinking schools are now encouraging teachers to adopt digital tools. Some even assign homework that involves watching curated YouTube lessons or creating video summaries.
“It’s not about banning phones anymore,” says Headmaster Owusu of a private SHS in Tema. “It’s about teaching students how to use them wisely.”
Training the Next Generation
To close the digital literacy gap, NGOs and civic groups are training teachers in content creation and social media safety.
One initiative, “Teach on Screen,” provides public school teachers with editing tools and media skills. “We’re not all entertainers,” says teacher participant Miriam. “But we can still make learning engaging.”
What’s Next?
Experts foresee even more integration:
- Augmented reality (AR) for virtual lab experiments
- AI-driven chatbots to answer student queries
- Regional content creators crafting lessons in local languages
- Digital credentialing and online exam preparation expanding across West Africa
“This is not a trend,” says Dr. Appiah. “It’s a paradigm shift.”
Final Thought
In a world where data bundles sometimes matter more than textbooks, Ghanaian students are forging a new learning path — led not just by professors, but by peers, performers, and passionate educators with ring lights.
And as Teacher TikTok puts it, chalkboards may fade — but learning? “Learning will always trend.”