The application of WhatsApp to support online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia

• Published in: Heliyon Vol. 7; no. 8; p. e07853
• Main Authors: Mulyono, Herri, Suryoputro, Gunawan, Jamil, Shafa Ramadhanya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Learning connectedness; Online learning; Rasch model; Social media; Social media acceptance; Social media acceptance; Learning connectedness; Rasch model; Online learning; Social media
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07853

The current study aimed to evaluate university students' technological acceptance and connectedness to online learning with WhatsApp support. A total of 202 students from three different courses at an Indonesian private university participated in an online survey. Quantitative data analyses using Rasch modelling technique were conducted to evaluate the survey data. Findings show that most students accepted social media use to support learning and felt connected to the learning. The findings also have identified several drivers that promoted the high level of acceptance and connectedness to learning, such as students' perceived usefulness, availability of learning support, motivation, and connectedness with their friends. Implications for further research and practices of WhatsApp usage to support online learning are discussed. Social media, Online learning, Social media acceptance, Learning connectedness, Rasch model.