Assessment of WhatsApp as a Collaborative Learning Tool in the post COVID-19 Era in Higher Learning Institutions: A Case of Tanzania

Mutajwaa Alphonce Shuubi and Kivara Minael Reuben
Centre for Information and Communication Technology
St John’s University of Tanzania
Email: salphonce@sjut.ac.tz, rminael@sjut.ac.tz

Abstract: Information Technology has changed our societies in a variety of ways, before COVID-19 and after COVID-19. A mobile phone being one of the devices under technological generation is needed in teaching and learning. In higher learning institutions, a great number of students make mobile phones part of useful tools for learning. This study aimed to assess WhatsApp as a collaborative learning tool in Higher Learning Institutions a case in Tanzania. The study used a multi-case method where students from three different Higher Learning Institutions were used as units of inquiry. These students came from different levels and programmes, the institutions were from one private institution and two public institutions. The tool used to collect data was an online form created by google. Data collected was then analysed and processed through the google form and the responses were shown with charts and graphs from google. The study included students from nondegree (certificate and diploma) and undergraduate students from bachelor’s degree. The results indicated that WhatsApp is one of the most favored mobile based applications, especially in HLIs; students use the WhatsApp application in exchanging learning materials with their fellow students and their instructors. Not only that, but the application is also used for opening new collaboration and links with other students from different colleges and universities. Nevertheless, the results showed that some students in higher learning institutions in Tanzania use WhatsApp as a platform to learn new business ideas hence some open businesses while still students at College or University through this platform. The current study recommends that Higher learning institution should have conducive environment for learners to get free internet services throughout in the University compound at the same time having a policy that show rules and regulations to be followed on ways to use the WhatsApp tool.