This article by Dan Bouhnik and Mor Deshen , Journal of Information Technology Education :Research 2014;13:217-231 has been most useful in my project of using WhatsApp as a learning tool in teaching Maxillofacial Trauma.
The article describes the use of WhatsApp in teaching and learning.It is shown to be a useful tool in communicating with students. Most importantly it encourages a student - centered approach to learning as opposed to the traditional teacher-centered lecture type learning.It is a learning platform that encourages communication with students,allows dialogue and sharing of information among students,also nurtures a social atmosphere? This is an affordable cheap technology which is sustainable in our environment and relatively protected from power outages!the high infiltration of Smartphones and WhatsApp enabled phone are available to most students
I am going to be using it essentially as a revision course based on a series of lectures on Maxillofacial trauma with an MCQ as an assessment method.The advantage of WhatsApp being that it can be used anytime and anywhere.
However the drawbacks mainly arise from overuse by students for everyday social messaging.However, by creating a special chat group this can be minimized.Of course there is always the danger of WhatsAppitis !,
Transmission of data and graphics has to be such that they are anonymised and suitable for public viewing .Like all public communications respect for other uses is encouraged at all times
Well done and good luck, I think Whatsapp is very practical for students on the go, also for the reasons you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting Midion. We really have to consider costs and practicalities such as power cuts. It always amazes me that students who don't have money for anything else still always manage to have a smart phone!
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