ARGUING “ENHANCING”
Education Influencer and High School Chemistry Teacher
ARGUING “ERODING”
Second Schoolteacher and Education Consultant
MODERATOR
Host and Moderator-in-Chief
This week:
- New episode: Should TikTok be used in the classroom to help students learn?
- A closer look at who uses TikTok
- Register now to attend our debate about the COVID pandemic and public health in person in Baltimore on 9/17 or watch via livestream
- Your Sunday reading list
Another year of learning, and 94% of teachers are using TikTok in the classroom in some regard.
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, including chemistry teacher and TikTok influencer Phil Cook, who has millions of followers online, say it’s just a new way to reach students. Some teachers are using TikTok to find educational ideas, from which they create lesson plans, demonstrate science experiments, and utilize the platform to reach students in a novel way. Teachers need to evolve and be able to meet students where they are, helping them learn effectively.
But others, including education consultant and secondary school teacher Adrian Dingle, argue that the app and its algorithm aren’t designed to educate, inform others, or promote critical thinking, but instead to entertain and distract. In addition, recent data shows how social media apps are linked to harming children’s mental health and other issues.
To help us explore whether TikTok in the classroom could enhance or erode the teaching profession, two chemistry teachers — who share the common ground of wanting what is best to help their students succeed — debate this week’s question. Listen to the episode now and let us know what you think.
DEBATING THE DATA
People who are likely in high school are the third-highest users of TikTok.
A COVID and Public Health Debate LIVE at Johns Hopkins University
Four renowned doctors, who all held diverse critical roles during the pandemic, will debate the following question: Was COVID a Public Health Failure or Did Society Fail Public Health? Examined from multiple key perspectives, this pressing debate will be streamed live from the Johns Hopkins University campus in Baltimore, Maryland, in partnership with the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
Featured debaters include Dr. Tom Frieden, Doctor Mike Varshavski, Dr. Jerome Adams, and Dr. Dara Kass. Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates.
Details:
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM (Doors open at 6 PM)
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Nursing’s Pinkard Building, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205
Attend live in Baltimore here. Watch via livestream here.
WEEKLY POINTS OF VIEW
Should you have an AI companion?
Darrell M. West | September 3, 2025
Brookings Institution
Watch Darrell’s debate on whether artificial intelligence will do more harm than good
The 9/11 attacks reverberate around the world to this day
Nina Khrushcheva | September 6, 2025
The Globe and Mail
Watch Nina’s debate on whether Russia is becoming our enemy again
How churn threatens Americans’ health
Ezekiel J. Emanuel and John A. Graves | September 3, 2025
Stat
The psychology of CEO loyalty to Trump
Gillian Tett | September 4, 2025
Financial Times
Watch Gillian’s debate on whether America needs a digital dollar
AI must not ignore human rights
Karen Kornbluh and Alexandra Reeve Givens | September 5, 2025
Gulf Times
Watch Karen’s debate on whether we should abolish the minimum wage
The Case for a U.S. Alliance With India
Kurt M. Campbell and Jake Sullivan | September 4, 2025
Foreign Affairs
Watch Kurt’s debate on whether COVID will reshape the world in China’s favor
The 65-year-old theory that helps explain why the Democrats keep losing
Lee Drutman | September 3, 2025
Vox
Watch Lee’s debate on the two-party system
My Daughters’ Slang Taught Me Something Cool About How Language Evolves
John McWhorter | September 4, 2025
The New York Times
Watch John’s debate on identity politics
Bring Debate to Students Nationwide
Debate is one of the most powerful tools for learning. It teaches students how to think critically, listen with respect, and engage with ideas that challenge their own. Through our educational initiatives, we bring debates into classrooms and onto campuses nationwide, equipping the next generation with the skills they need to be informed citizens and future leaders. Donate today to help us expand these programs and inspire the next generation of informed citizens.