Author Information
Aung Myin Moe, International Executive School, FranceSelvi Thazin Win, International Executive School, France
Min Min Tun, International Executive School, France
Zina Kyriakou, International Executive School, France
Abstract
While social media platforms have increasingly been adopted across various educational disciplines, less is known, from an empirical perspective, about their application within maritime higher education. This pioneering study examines the emerging phenomenon of TikTok use among maritime educators, representing one of the first empirical investigation into social media integration within this traditionally conservative field. A qualitative research design was employed, conducting semi-structured interviews with 12 maritime educators across international institutions who have begun creating TikTok content for educational purposes. Participants represented diverse maritime specializations including navigation, marine engineering, port operations, and maritime law. Interview data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, revealing four key themes: (1) democratizing maritime knowledge beyond traditional maritime academies, (2) developing micro-learning approaches for complex shipboard procedures and emergency protocols, (3) engaging digitally native students entering the seafaring profession, and (4) navigating institutional resistance within hierarchical maritime education structures. The study reveals innovative educational practices including the use of TikTok's short-form video format to demonstrate intricate maritime procedures typically requiring hands-on shipboard experience, creation of virtual vessel walkthroughs for land-based students, and development of maritime safety mnemonics through engaging visual content. However, significant challenges emerged including concerns about maintaining the seriousness of maritime safety education while creating accessible content, preserving professional standards, and overcoming institutional skepticism within a field where tradition and hierarchy remain paramount. This groundbreaking research establishes foundational knowledge about social media's potential role in maritime education, offering crucial insights for maritime institutions considering digital pedagogical innovations in an increasingly technology-driven maritime industry.
Paper Information
Conference: ACE2025Stream: Design
This paper is part of the ACE2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Moe A., Win S., Tun M., & Kyriakou Z. (2026) Exploring TikTok as a Learning Resource in Maritime Higher Education: Educator Perspectives and Practices ISSN: 2186-5892 – The Asian Conference on Education 2025: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 69-85) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-5892.2026.7
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-5892.2026.7
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