Title: WhatsApp with English language teaching? Some practical ideas and strategies

Authors: Alberth; Emil Wiramihardja; Lorna Uden

Addresses: Department of English Education, Universitas Halu Oleo Kampus Hijau Bumi Tridharma, Anduonou, Kambu, Kendari, Kota Kendari, Sulawesi Tenggara 93132, Indonesia ' University of Sydney, City Road, NSW 2006, Australia ' School of Computing, Faculty of Computing Engineering and Sciences, Staffordshire University, College Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST4 2DE, UK

Abstract: Mobile assisted language learning offers tremendous opportunities for language learning. The use of short message service and, more recently, integration of the WhatsApp application into language classrooms has generally been reported to positively impact on language learning and learning experience for learners as well as for teachers. As a result, use of WhatsApp is gaining immense popularity in English as a foreign language classrooms across the globe. However, it is important to acknowledge that, while technology plays a critical role, it is how the tool is utilised per se that determines the successful integration of the new technology. How to use technology is pre-requisite to successful integration. Despite the popularity of the potential use of WhatsApp in language learning, currently there are no guidelines on how to use it for language teaching and learning. This paper attempts to offer some practical ideas and strategies for using WhatsApp for teaching English as a foreign language as well as for teaching other languages.

Keywords: WhatsApp; technology; teaching English; mobile; MALL; mobile assisted language learning; CALL; computer assisted language learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2020.107974

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2020 Vol.12 No.3, pp.262 - 274

Received: 07 Apr 2018
Accepted: 02 Mar 2019
Published online: 01 Jul 2020 *

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