Effects of WhatsApp Based Lessons on Undergraduates’ Writing Accuracy

Abstract

Despite the building up of research on the adoption of social media tools in teaching and learning of English especially writing, the differential effects of WhatsApp blended lessons on undergraduates writing accuracy remain unclear. Thus, this study fills in the lacuna by examining how WhatsApp affects undergraduates’ overall writing accuracy. Using a quasi-experimental design, the findings of this mixed method study demonstrate the potentials of WhatsApp in improving students’ writing accuracy. The results were primarily attributed to the ability of WhatsApp to promote interactive and collaborative learning environment which is helpful in learning writing. Nonetheless, some challenges were reported, such as overcorrections and bombardment of text messages. Implications for writing pedagogy and future studies have been discussed.