Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 9. Number 4. December 2018 Pp. 108 -121
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol9no4.7
WhatsApp: An Online Platform for University-Level English Language Education
Mufleh Salem M. Alqahtani
Department of English Language and Literature
Faculty of English, College of Arts, King Saud University
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
C. Vijaya Bhaskar
Department of English
Anna University, Chennai, India.
Kesavan Vadakalur Elumalai
Department of English Language and Literature
Faculty of English,College of Arts, King Saud University
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
May Abumelha
Department of English Language and Literature
Faculty of English, College of Arts, King Saud University
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Abstract:
Technology has developed immensely and its role in the aspects of learning a language has grown bigger and bigger. Among the university level students, WhatsApp at present is getting into the frontline as one of the most widespread online social networking platforms concerning to language learning. The research work undertaken tries to understand if university level students consider WhatsApp as a significant learning platform that can develop and support their language learning skills. Moreover, , the research work focuses on the routine practices or use of WhatsApp by students. The outcome of the survey data reveals that students consider that WhatsApp may be utilized as a teaching cum learning online platform to assist them in the process of language learning. They also highlighted the necessity of imitating language courses associated with WhatsApp, integration of technology through WhatsApp for the access of class materials with a set of objectives and outcomes explicitly focused on learning language to create meaningful experiences for students. Pedagogically, the study concludes by emphasizing the efficacy and prospective role of WhatsApp in improving the capability of students with regard to learning a language at university level.
Keywords: English language learning, e-learning, survey study, use of technology, WhatsApp
Cite as: Alqahtani, M. S. M., Bhaskar,C. V., Elumalai,K.V., & Abumelha, M. (2018). WhatsApp: An Online Platform for University-Level English Language Education. Arab World English Journal, 9 (4), 108 -121.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol9no4.7