Using WhatsApp to Enhance Students’ Learning of English Language “Experience to Share”

Abstract

Education system has developed rapidly, technology has invaded our life, everyone has smart phone these days, using WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Telegram, etc. No one can deny that the generation we teach these days, has become addicted to these applications, for social relationship and fun. In 2012 when I started teaching in KSA, Blackboard has been newly introduced for teaching in King Khalid University, but most of the students were reluctant to use it due to net access problems and unfamiliarity. This study was conducted in College of Science & Arts Majarda King Khalid University, English Department. The population of the study were 36 female students from 1st level who were studying Listening & Speaking 1 course in the 1st semester 2013-2014. The researcher has used the analytical descriptive method to conduct this study in King Khalid University. A students’ questionnaire and instructor observation were the tools for collecting the data, results were coded manually and analyzed using SPSS. Almost all study-findings supported using WhatsApp to enhance students learning and enthusiasm, using WhatsApp helped students to develop English skills, enriched their vocabulary and learn from their mates mistakes, although the study laid out some disadvantages of the experience such as preparing the materials and having discipline in the group.