Oak Knoll Teacher Publishes Study on TikTok’s Impact on K-12 Education

Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child is thrilled to announce that Dr. Talia Nochumson, Upper School Computer Science Department Chair, recently published a research study on Cite Journal entitled “Exploring TikTok’s Role in K-12 Education.” This mixed-methods research provides invaluable insights into how K-12 teachers are leveraging TikTok as a professional tool to innovate their teaching methods and connect with their students.

Nochumson, who joined Oak Knoll in 2018, holds a doctorate in Instructional Technology and Media from Teachers College, Columbia University, a master’s degree from NYU, and a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University. Her research explores how educators are increasingly utilizing TikTok—a platform traditionally seen as a hub for entertainment — as a valuable space for idea-sharing, peer learning, and community building.

Through surveys and interviews with over 100 teachers across various grade levels and subjects, Nochumson’s findings reveal the platform’s potential as a modern professional learning network. Notably, 74% of teachers surveyed reported integrating TikTok-inspired strategies or practices into their classrooms.

“Teachers aren’t just scrolling for entertainment — they’re learning,” Nochumson explains. “It allows teachers to share innovative ideas, build authentic connections with their students, and receive just-in-time support in a profession that’s always evolving.”

Her findings illuminate how the app has become a powerful tool for teachers to meet their students where they are, particularly in an era where education is increasingly affected by technological and cultural shifts.

Some of the key takeaways from Nochumson’s research include:

• Teachers are using TikTok to find creative teaching strategies, fresh lesson ideas, and resources tailored to their classrooms.
• The platform fosters a sense of solidarity among educators, creating spaces for professional exchange and mutual support.
• Many teachers reported how TikTok helped them keep pace with 21st-century learning styles, encouraging shorter, engaging formats that appeal to the digital-first generation.