Title: Writing through WhatsApp: an evaluation of students writing performance

Authors: Besma Allagui

Addresses: Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abstract: WhatsApp messenger is a cross-platform working under smartphones that can provide instant messaging. Worldwide, WhatsApp messenger has become popular because it is practical for mobile users. Previous research has suggested the effectiveness of extending mobile devices into e-learning. However, mobile learning in the form of instant messaging is still under-represented. This research project explores the effectiveness of instant text messaging via WhatsApp for undergraduate students in higher education. A group of 50 students were given a written assignment and were required to text message one another. The students used WhatsApp messenger to develop their EFL basic writing skills. The students reported their experiences through a survey after completion of the writing assignment. The results showed students strengths and weaknesses. Although their holistic scores remained low, they seemed to have benefited from the spell checker as they have received better scores in the area of spelling and vocabulary. The results showed that the use of WhatsApp in the classroom increased students' motivation to write. Overall, findings from this small-scale research project provide a better understanding on the role of mobile technology in higher education.

Keywords: WhatsApp; e-learning; electronic learning; EFL; English as a foreign language; basic writing skills; smartphones; mobile learning; m-learning; instant messaging; text messaging; undergraduate students; higher education; spelling; vocabulary; student motivation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMLO.2014.067022

International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 2014 Vol.8 No.3/4, pp.216 - 231

Received: 09 May 2014
Accepted: 12 Sep 2014
Published online: 22 Jan 2015 *

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