Abstract:

WhatsApp Messenger is a smartphone messaging application that can be used on Android, Symbian, BlackBerry, iPhone and Windows phones. The application enables users to exchange instant messages with their contacts. This paper explores how WhatsApp can be used to enhance learning in a University course, and its adoptability by students. The Technological Acceptance Model (TAM), was used as the framework. Participants were drawn from second year students taking Information Systems course in a South African University. The study found that students were comfortable using WhatsApp technology and intent to use it for learning or training purposes. The results of the students improved enough to show that students understood basic concepts better with WhatsApp.

Keywords:

E-learning, Mobile learning, Messaging application, Messaging Service, Smartphone, WhatsApp Messenger.