ERIC Number: EJ1163183
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Nov
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1492-3831
EISSN: N/A
The Impact of WhatsApp Use on Success in Education Process
Cetinkaya, Levent
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, v18 n7 p59-74 Nov 2017
The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of WhatsApp use for education and determine the opinions of students towards the process. The study was designed in mixed research model which combines both qualitative and quantitative data. In the quantitative aspect of the study, quasi-experimental design, with a pretest-posttest control group, was used and the data were analyzed by two factor variance analysis for mixed measurements. The analysis indicated that both learning environments have different effects on the success of students and that supporting the traditional environment by using WhatsApp is more effective for the increase of success. For the qualitative aspect of the study, content analysis techniques were employed to analyze the data which were collected by open-ended question forms. The analysis showed that students developed positive opinions towards the use of WhatsApp in their courses. They demanded the same practice in their other courses as well. They reported that learning could also take place unconsciously and the messages with images were more effective for their learning. However, a few students have expressed adverse opinions about the timing of some posts and the redundant posts within the group. Finally, it is suggested that use of WhatsApp in education process be encouraged as a supportive technology.
Descriptors: Computer Oriented Programs, Social Media, Computer Mediated Communication, Technology Uses in Education, Handheld Devices, Influence of Technology, Outcomes of Education, Secondary School Students, Grade 10, Academic Achievement, Student Attitudes, Quasiexperimental Design, Mixed Methods Research, Pretests Posttests, Control Groups, Experimental Groups, Factor Analysis, Instructional Effectiveness, Content Analysis, Electronic Learning
Athabasca University. 1200, 10011 - 109 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8, Canada. Tel: 780-421-2536; Fax: 780-497-3416; e-mail: irrodl@athabascau.ca; Web site: http://www.irrodl.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A