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Journal of Computer Assisted Learning

Volume 34, Issue 5
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

The effects of Facebook and WhatsApp on success in English vocabulary instruction

Levent Çetinkaya

Corresponding Author

E-mail address: lcetinkaya@ankara.edu.tr

Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology, Ankara University, , Turkey

Correspondence

Levent Çetinkaya, Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.

Email: lcetinkaya@ankara.edu.tr

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Selim Soner Sütçü

School of Foreign Languages, Başkent University, , Turkey

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First published: 15 April 2018
https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12255

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of Facebook and WhatsApp on success in English vocabulary instruction and the learners' opinions about the implementation process. In the study, mixed method model, which combines both quantitative and qualitative data, was used. The success of the students in Facebook, WhatsApp, and control group showed a significant difference between the pretest and posttest, meaning that the learning environments had different effects on the increase of success of students. The analysis revealed that the difference in the mean scores of the students in WhatsApp, Facebook, and control group was significant, and WhatsApp has been more effective in the increase of the success. Although more increase in the mean scores of Facebook group was observed compared with control group, this increase was not found significant. Furthermore, students expressed their willingness to go on the practice not only in their present course, but also in their other courses as well. They also opined positive opinions that learning could also take place unconsciously. However, a few students reacted negatively against the unnecessary messages and the timing of some messages. The results indicated that, compared with Facebook, WhatsApp is more effective in teaching vocabulary.

Lay Description

What is currently known about the subject matter

  • Studies on social networking services (SNSs) suggest that they have effects on different variables (communication, motivation, social interaction, academic success, etc.) depending on their purpose and use in education.
  • The studies also show that both Facebook and WhatsApp have potential to increase social interaction, interest and motivation, support learning anytime and anywhere, provide cooperation, increase sense of belonging and commitment, success, teacher‐student interaction, provide peer support and feedback, and enable sharing of material and information

What this paper adds to this

  • This paper aims to determine the effects of Facebook and WhatsApp on success in English vocabulary instruction and the learners' opinions

The implications of study findings

  • Similar comparative studies on the educational effectiveness of other SNSs should also be performed.
  • The use of WhatsApp, Facebook, and similar SNSs in education, which students already use without any need of training, should be encouraged.
  • Educators' opinions on the use of WhatsApp and similar applications in education should be asked and they should be encouraged to get involved in the process.