Social Learning Supported by Ubiquitous Technology: Using WhatsApp Groups for Peer Collaboration

Overview

One strong example of social learning supported by ubiquitous learning tools is the use of WhatsApp as a collaborative platform among students. WhatsApp is a widely accessible mobile messaging app used globally and commonly found on students’ personal smartphones.

Despite being a general communication tool, it has been repurposed in educational contexts to foster peer-to-peer learning, group discussions, and real-time support—especially in areas with limited access to formal Learning Management Systems (LMS).

How It Works to Support Social Learning

1. Collaborative Group Chats

Students form group chats based on subjects or projects. They discuss problems, ask questions, and share resources (PDFs, voice notes, links, videos). These real-time conversations simulate a “virtual study group.”

2. Peer Tutoring and Informal Teaching

Stronger students often help weaker ones by explaining difficult concepts using simplified language or local context. This peer teaching boosts understanding and confidence on both sides.

3. Accessibility and Inclusivity

As a mobile-first app, WhatsApp supports learning anywhere, anytime. It removes the barrier of needing expensive platforms or desktop-based software.

4. Multimodal Communication

Students can express their understanding through text, audio messages, short videos, or even drawings—making it highly inclusive, especially for students with different learning styles.

Benefits and Educational Impact

Encourages active participation and student agency, Enhances peer interaction and emotional support, especially during remote learning, Builds a community of practice and collaborative habits, Enables flexible, asynchronous learning in both formal and informal settings

However, challenges include managing distractions, privacy concerns, and the potential for misinformation without teacher moderation.

Supporting Theories

Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory: Learning is a social process, and tools like WhatsApp provide the “zone of proximal development” where peers scaffold each other's learning.

Ubiquitous Learning (u-learning): Learning can occur anytime, anywhere, supported by mobile technology and continuous connectivity.

References and Further Reading

Bouhnik, D., & Deshen, M. (2014). WhatsApp goes to school: Mobile instant messaging between teachers and students. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 13, 217–231. https://doi.org/10.28945/2051

UNESCO (2020). Distance Learning Strategies in Response to COVID-19 School Closures. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse/solutionsTerbuka di tab baru