Using the WhatsApp Social Media Application for Active Learning

Abstract

WhatsApp, the message-sharing social media app, is commonly used by students to collaborate on class assignments. This article examines the use of WhatsApp as part of a course gradable assignments and weekly pre- and postlecture discussions. This study is based on a survey and interviews conducted with undergraduate university students in the UAE who were asked if WhatsApp Groups use within the structured frame of the course and as gradable requirements increased their motivation to contribute to the course work. The results indicate that the students were more engaged with assignments that had WhatsApp embedded within the assignment structure. Furthermore, they found the pre- and postlecture WhatsApp discussions beneficial and effective, increasing motivation to participate actively in the lecture’s topic. This study concludes that the use of WhatsApp as part of course gradable assignments can contribute to active learning and enhance collaborative learning pre- and postlectures.