International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 18, No. 3 (2022)

Students’ Usage of WhatsApp Instant Messenger as a Supporting Tool for Learning in Kaduna State, Nigeria

YUNUSA DANGARA USMAN, FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS,KADUNANIGERIA
Aishatu Bukar, Local Education Authority (LEA), Kwali Area Council Abuja, Nigeria.

Abstract
The study was carried out to examine the extent of Students’ Usage of WhatsApp Instant Messenger as a Supporting Tool for Learning in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted in the study. Five tertiary institutions were randomly selected based on security guarantee for the study. All final year students in tertiary institutions in Kaduna State formed the population of the study, and the stratified random sampling method was used to select a sample of 598 students in exit classes for the study. Five research questions were used as a guide in the study. A structured questionnaire titled; Impact of WhatsApp Instant Messenger on Learning Questionnaire (IWIMOLQ) was used to elicit information from the respondents. 598 copies of the research instrument were administered with the support of five research assistants (who were students in the institutions). The questionnaires were completed and returned within ten weeks. The information collected was coded accordingly into statistical data and analyzed using Mean (M) and Standard Deviation (SD) statistical tools. Mean scores of 2.5 and above (≥2.5) were accepted while mean scores below 2.5 (< 2.5) were rejected. The major finding of the study is that students are already familiar with and are using the different WhatsApp features for different purposes, thus making its acceptance and integration as a support tool for learning a seamless process. The study concludes that the usage of WhatsApp and other social networking platforms by teachers and students should be encouraged in learning institutions. The study, therefore, recommends inter alia, developing user friendly WhatsApp functionalities with affordable mobile Internet services.

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