As someone deeply invested in helping students navigate their educational journeys, I’m always on the lookout for new and accessible ways to learn. This post explores how social media is shaping education and what it means for students considering their next steps in higher ed.
In an era where the internet continues to reshape how we access and interact with information, TikTok has emerged as an unexpected classroom. Recently, I stumbled upon an Africana Studies scholar, Dr. Barlow, who had just started her TikTok page, Dr. Barlow's Intro to Af-Am (@afamstudies). Dr. Barlow holds a PhD in Africana Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and is currently an assistant professor at an HBCU. Her content? Essentially an entire Africana Studies course, shared freely with the world. This moment struck me as a powerful testament to several important themes shaping higher education and our broader society today.
The Innovation of Our Generation
We are living in a time when traditional structures and institutions are being questioned, and technology is allowing us to create alternative paths to knowledge. The innovation of this scholar using TikTok to teach a course exemplifies the adaptability of our generation. In a world where trust in authority is wavering and access to information is both abundant and at risk (as seen with discussions around the TikTok ban), platforms like this offer a crucial space for learning and connection. The reaction to the potential ban speaks volumes—people value their access to a global community where they can learn, share, and grow without intermediaries.
No More Gatekeeping Knowledge
I never had the opportunity to take an Africana Studies class, but I've always wanted to. Traditionally, access to this kind of expertise was locked behind tuition fees, selective admissions, and institutional boundaries. But now? I have access to high-quality, passionate teaching at no cost. The erasure of paywalls and barriers to entry is one of the most exciting things about social media and the digital age. Dr. Barlow is bringing her work to the masses without restriction, proving that education should not be a privilege—it should be a right.
The traditional 'ivory tower' of academia has long kept valuable research locked behind paywalls, forcing those outside the system to jump through hoops to access knowledge that could benefit them. Most of us pursued higher education because we wanted to share knowledge, not restrict it to a select few. Institutions often boast about the quality of education they provide, but that quality is entirely dependent on the faculty they employ and the knowledge they share. Getting directly to faculty members through platforms like TikTok bypasses the 'finder's fee' that institutions charge, providing the same level of quality instruction without the financial barrier. Dr. Barlow's work on TikTok is a refreshing reminder that knowledge should be freely available, and I, for one, am looking forward to sitting at the front of the lecture hall for her class. I was never great at homework, so I still won't be doing that—but I'll be there on time and engaged!
Breaking Down Barriers to Education
Historically, access to higher education—especially in disciplines like Africana Studies—was limited to those who could afford it or navigate complex admissions processes. Social media is now dismantling these barriers, allowing knowledge to reach people who may never have had the opportunity otherwise. This democratization of learning is a critical step in addressing long-standing inequities in education.
For generations, African American and African diaspora history and traditions have been passed down primarily through oral storytelling. This digital platform provides a new way to structure and preserve these vital narratives, bridging the gap between the traditional educational methods we experienced in K-16 settings and the crucial stories and historical retellings we need to understand in order to avoid repeating the traumas of the past.
Video, as a medium, offers a unique advantage in capturing storytelling because it allows us to use our whole being as we would naturally do in oral traditions. Unlike written text, video enables us to communicate through gestures, facial expressions, and the tonal richness of AAVE (African American Vernacular English). It preserves the essence—the very soul—of what we share, ensuring that knowledge is passed down authentically and accessibly.
Digital Literacy and Equity
While platforms like TikTok are making learning more accessible, it's important to recognize that digital literacy and internet access are still not universal. There is still work to be done to ensure that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic background, can benefit from these resources. Initiatives like Dr. Barlow’s highlight the potential of digital education, but they also call attention to the ongoing need for equity in access to technology.
I Love My People
Black people have an unparalleled way of engaging with everything we encounter. The humor, the cultural references, and the community we create—even in the comment section of an educational TikTok—are simply unmatched. The way we turn a digital classroom into a space of both joy and learning is a testament to our cultural resilience and brilliance. Comments like, "Not me scrolling and realizing I'm late to class," "I don't have my books yet, my FAFSA hasn't come yet.", and "Welp since I was procrastinating I guess school came to me" capture the spirit of our people—making any space, even a digital one, feel like home. We set the standard for humor and engagement, and it’s beautiful to see that shine through in such organic ways.
A Call to Scholars
As a scholar myself, I find this initiative inspiring. We enter our fields with a passion for our subjects and a desire to address pressing issues in our communities. However, academia often limits our reach, tying our work to conferences, journal paywalls, and institutional approval. What better way to fulfill our mission than by bringing our expertise directly to the people who can benefit from it the most—without barriers? Platforms like TikTok offer a golden opportunity for scholars to bridge the gap between academia and the real world, making their research accessible and impactful in ways that traditional institutions cannot.
Whether Dr. Barlow decides to continue or not, I hope this inspires other scholars to use the supercomputer in their pockets to make education the natural equalizer it has the potential to be. And regardless of whether she continues, this action alone is a meaningful contribution to the current culture—showing what’s possible and sparking new ways of thinking about education and access.
The fusion of education, social media, and community engagement presents an exciting new frontier for learning. The potential TikTok ban highlights how valuable these spaces are for fostering connection and democratizing knowledge. Dr. Barlow, and others like her, are paving the way for a future where learning is more accessible, inclusive, and engaging than ever before. And I, for one, am grateful to be a student in this ever-expanding digital classroom.
Want to take your learning beyond the scroll?
While platforms like TikTok are making education more accessible, navigating the college admissions process and persisting through to your degree still requires personalized guidance and strategic planning. Whether you're exploring your college options, preparing applications, or seeking support in finding the right path, I'm here to help.
🌟 Schedule a consultation to discover how I can support your journey to higher education success—without the guesswork. Let's turn inspiration into action!
Dr. Tamara Minott
Student of Dr. Barlow
CEO, ClarifyEd, LLC
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