Introduction

At a time when the negative impact of cell phones on academic performance is increasingly discussed, it seems difficult to say the contrary. However, it is possible to adapt to the situation by taking advantage of some applications such as WhatsApp to improve interaction between students and teachers. Indeed, through this instant messaging application, the teacher can communicate with his learners in real time and help them solve problems in or outside the class.

Making teacher-student discussions permanent

Using WhatsApp allows interaction between learners and their teachers to be more frequent than usual. Students will no longer have to wait for the next class to get more understanding of the previous lesson. They can receive answers to their questions or other information on their mobile phones and read it faster. In addition, using the group messaging function allows for more direct communication between the learners themselves and between learners and the teacher for language courses.

Supporting students facing challenges

Using WhatsApp, teachers can easily create a support network for learners, especially those who have difficulty understanding certain topics. Teachers can also send reminders and updates to students about assignments or upcoming exams. This feature can help students manage their time better and be more efficient in their studies. Teachers can also send private messages to students to give them personalized advice and encouragement. This can help students feel more comfortable asking questions or help, which can boost their confidence and motivation.

The downside

However, there are also disadvantages to using WhatsApp in education. First of all, using this app may be difficult for students who do not have a cell phone or are unable to use the app. Moreover, online communication can create an overreliance on technology and may prevent students from communicating in person. Teachers should also be aware of privacy issues and be clear about how information shared on WhatsApp will be used.

Conclusion

WhatsApp can be a useful tool for teachers who want to improve interaction with their students. This app can help teachers communicate more effectively with students, answer their questions, provide personalized support, and build their motivation and confidence. However, before using this app, teachers should ensure that all students have access to a cell phone and should be aware of privacy and technology dependency issues.