WhatsApp’s SMS Application: A Tool for Vocabulary Learning

Abstract

Since this world is progressing and the new generation is increasingly adopting mobile phones in their everyday lives, thus, WhatsApp media and other mobile applications are increasingly being used at educational institutions all around the world. Therefore, the current study investigated the WhatsApp SMS application’s use in the vocabulary learning in the engineering university, Sindh, Pakistan. The study used a mixed-mode quasi-experimental pre-test post-test research design, in which students' vocabulary ability was assessed before they participated in WhatsApp classes and subsequently through post-test after the experiment. Moreover, students' experiences were also documented through the analysis of SMS messages they posted on a WhatsApp group (during experiment). The quantitative data was analysed on SPSS and the findings of the study revealed that WhatsApp’s SMS application usage posited a significant difference in the enhancement of vocabulary of the experimental group of students. Moreover, students’ postings (SMSs) on WhatsApp group were analysed qualitatively following the thematic analysis. The qualitative analysis also revealed positive experiences of students concerning WhatsApp’s SMS application in learning vocabulary. The current study reveals the benefits of WhatsApp’s SMS application on tertiary students worldwide, as well as instructors, syllabus designers who develop courses for tertiary students, and policymakers who make educational policies, by instilling technology-enabled social media tools (specifically WhatsApp) in the ESL classroom context both nationally and internationally.