Abstract
WhatsApp is the most popular mobile instant messaging (IM) app in the global south. Hence, its use in informal and formal learning spaces has significant potential and is worthy of investigation. This study explored how University faculty and students in Namibia and India used WhatsApp for learning support and to bridge the gap between formal and informal learning. From a total of 182 participants, results reveal that WhatsApp has the potential to engage users in an informal and formal learning support and delivery environment. Learning designers and those responsible for professional development need to take note of this instant messaging app and experiment with various culturally contextual learning design models to support learning.
Highlights
When it comes to digital-based learning, the question of engagement and presence is often focused on online learning involving traditional computing devices such as desktop computers or laptops
We explore the use of WhatsApp to bridge formal and informal learning spaces at the university level in India and Namibia, at a where the COVID-19 pandemic is making it difficult for face to face learning to take place
The results indicated that of the participants: 39% stated they use WhatsApp to communicate with classmates 10% stated that they communicate with their instructor about matters related to course requirements 22% use WhatsApp to publish course announcements 24% discuss ideas about courses with their classmates 16% discuss ideas related to courses with instructors 23% seek help related to course requirements from students who have already taken the course 26% percent post links to topics and resources related to courses 23% to form student groups for educational purposes 24% to organize meetings with classmates regarding the assignment and project required by the instructor 15% to communicate with instructors about office hours and meetings 21% to get feedback from course instructors
Summary
When it comes to digital-based learning, the question of engagement and presence is often focused on online learning involving traditional computing devices such as desktop computers or laptops. In areas where mobile devices are the most widely used computing technology, engagement and interaction between teachers and students looks different. In many parts of the world, interactions between individuals takes place through mobile texting applications to bridge formal and informal learning spaces. It is not surprising that on university campuses, research shows (Hamad, 2017; Gachago, et al, 2015) this application has become a tool of choice to facilitate interactions between teachers and students to connect formal and informal learning in higher education. We explore the use of WhatsApp to bridge formal and informal learning spaces at the university level in India and Namibia, at a where the COVID-19 pandemic is making it difficult for face to face learning to take place
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