Innovation in Language Learning

Could we discuss literature on WhatsApp (WA)? Could you learn to write on WA? Could we turn something students are really fond of into a gate to meaningful learning? Obviously, yes, but it all depends on how the app is used. 

WA is free, easy to download, easy to use. Consequently it is perceived as something shallow, even harmful for the young mind. Many teachers believe that students are wasting their time on WA instead of learning.

My research looks into how this app can become a powerful tool to enhance learning in groups of 5 graders and 8 graders from two different schools in Bucharest Romania. The initiative for all the WA  groups comes from the same teacher, but the involvement of the students varies according to the school ethos. Group A (5 graders) started their WA experience at the beginning of the school year 2015-2016 in order to improve written assignments and clarify various issues from the language class. The students enthusiastically embraced the new approach and they increasingly gained ownership of the learning experience, talking about spelling, text coherence and language rules. Sooner than later the discussions expanded to literature issues and reading recommendations. The teacher eclipsed more and more while students took control over their own learning. Group B (5 graders from another school) had trouble in coming together by means of the app. These students are denied access to their phones while they are in class. As a result they developed a stereotype about the school as something dull and “serious” where ICT devices (and fun) are prohibited. This stereotype proved to be strong enough to distort WA communication with and within the group for learning purposes. Finally, the 8 graders used WA to improve their writing skills as a preparation for the national assessment that takes place at the end of the school year. WA proved to be beneficial to share project results and revised materials for the exam.

The results show that  a popular app  can contribute to responsible communication and competence whether in real or virtual environments.