Introduction If there is one positive encounter we could take away from COVID-19, it is that we require more creative approaches to involve students with the module content they are expected to learn. Moreover, we have developed an acute understanding that the characteristics of the 21st-century student (Generation Z and subsequent generations) necessitate a shift in teaching and learning methods from traditional approaches. This, along with the requirement to guarantee student retention and engagement in a module, presented an opportunity to implement stimulating and unconventional teaching methods, one of which was utilising the social media platform known as TikTok. Background TikTok was used as an instructional tool due to its attractiveness as a social media platform for Generation Z (Gen Z) consumers, primarily because of its focus on concise video content. Moreover, this cohort is a heterogeneous group of students born into the digital era, possessing a unique understanding of social and cultural matters and a powerful inclination towards innovation and artistic expression. A technologydependent environment implies the need for changes in the curriculum and demands both social and technological innovation. Students have now become the driving force behind transforming the methods and content of education. Higher education institutions must recognise that students are inherently familiar with digital technology and should view this as a valuable opportunity to continue teaching and learning despite disruptions. Gen Z students can utilise the internet and various devices, such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets, to articulate their thoughts and ideas. This characteristic of a Gen Z student, coupled with the need for student retention and engagement in a module, presents an opportunity to incorporate stimulating and unconventional teaching methods, such as social media (Dasoo, 2022). Social media enables students to quickly, enjoyably, and conveniently acquire essential instructional information. Social media can enhance communication skills, offer instant access to up-to-date information, and establish social networks for educational purposes. Despite its physical limitations, Gikas and Grant (2013) propose that social media offers a valuable e-learning platform for students to collaborate academically, access course materials, and interact with their peers and tutors. Teaching Innovation for the 21st Century | Showcasing UJ Teaching Innovation Projects 2024 17
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjU1NDYx