Adopting WhatsApp to Reduce Transactional Distance during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Autor/in	Tunjera, Nyarai
Titel	Adopting WhatsApp to Reduce Transactional Distance during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Quelle	In: Electronic Journal of e-Learning, 21 (2023) 2, S.110-120 (11 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Schlagwörter	Handheld Devices; Computer Oriented Programs; Computer Mediated Communication; Preservice Teachers; Group Dynamics; Learner Engagement; Cooperative Learning; COVID-19; Pandemics; Student Attitudes; Technology Uses in Education; Social Isolation + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Computerprogramm; Computerkonferenz; Gruppendynamik; Kooperatives Lernen; Schülerverhalten; Technology enhanced learning; Technology aided learning; Technologieunterstütztes Lernen; Soziale Isolation
Abstract	Mobile devices have penetrated all levels of society worldwide, including what are predominantly considered inaccessible, low-income communities in developing nations. Mobile devices are frequently used for economic, political, and social interactions and even business transactions. In a similar fashion, teachers are slowly adapting to the use of mobile devices as a pedagogical tool in education. The aim of this study was to ascertain how a WhatsApp group, a messaging facility, could be used to enhance group interaction among pre-service teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moore's Transactional Distance theory and Salmon's five-stage model guided this qualitative study. Twelve pre-service teachers, out of a class of thirty-five, were purposely selected to work on a group task using the WhatsApp application during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also participated in a focus group interview. WhatsApp artifacts and focus group interview transcripts were analyzed deductively; the results showed that the WhatsApp intervention helped improve pre-service teachers' engagement and the sharing of content to successfully undertake the group activity virtually. WhatsApp's social nature has proven to be an enabler for keeping people connected despite physical distance: reducing cognitive loneliness resulting from social isolation. It is recommended that teacher educators, academics, and researchers, as well as students working remotely take advantage of the usability of WhatsApp for learning and research purposes. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01