'WhatsApp' and English Language Learning: Students' Experiences during the Pandemic in Pakistan

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  • Author(s): Rashid Muhammad (ORCID Rashid Muhammad (ORCID 0000-0001-8459-5870); Annamalai Nagaletchimee (ORCID Annamalai Nagaletchimee (ORCID 0000-0002-8600-5624)
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    MEXTESOL Journal. 2023 47(3).
  • Publication Date:
    2023
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
    Tests/Questionnaires
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      MEXTESOL Journal. Bernardo Couto 48, Col. Cuauhtemoc, Alcadía Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de Mexico, 06880, Mexico. Tel: +55-55-66-87-49; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.mextesol.net/journal/
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      13
    • Education Level:
      Higher Education
      Postsecondary Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Computer Software; Second Language Learning; Second Language Instruction; English (Second Language); Foreign Countries; Pandemics; COVID-19; Online Courses; Social Media; Undergraduate Students; Student Attitudes; Videoconferencing
    • Subject Terms:
      Pakistan
    • ISSN:
      2395-9908
    • Abstract:
      In response to the lockdown and closure of all academic institutions in Pakistan generally and particularly in Bahawalpur, the college teachers were directed by the Higher Education Department to initiate online teaching through "WhatsApp," "Zoom," "Google Meet," "YouTube" and other educational applications. The purpose of this article is to understand the voices of undergraduates towards social media in general, and "WhatsApp" in particular during the COVID-19 crisis in terms of English language learning since few studies have focused on the educational potential of "WhatsApp" during pandemic in Pakistan. To reach the aim of this research, a mixed-method research approach was adopted, including a survey and interview to collect data. We surveyed approximately 510 students from various classes at Bachelor of Science (BS) level using "Google Forms." These participants were recruited through convenient sampling. A total of 415 students returned the completed questionnaire. The survey revealed a positive relationship between social media and learning of the English language during the pandemic. The adoption of social media, particularly "WhatsApp" facilitated students with individual and active learning, a competitive environment, interactivity, critical thinking, problem solving, and discussion. The themes that emerged from the interviews suggest that "WhatsApp" served as a platform to transform conventional English language learning, offer multimedia resources and incidental English language learning. The study suggested that the implementation of "WhatsApp" was a worthwhile attempt since it yielded fruitful results even during the pandemic.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2024
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1408019