The Impact of Whatsapp on Interaction in an Arabic Language Teaching Course

This study aimed to investigate pre-service Arabic language teachers’ perceptions of the impact of integrating WhatsApp mobile instant messaging on the enhancement of their instructional interaction. It also sought to identify the challenges of using this application as a mobile learning tool. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews and an analysis of the postings on WhatsApp platform. The results revealed that WhatsApp had the power to enhance the three types of interactions, 71% of the participants reported that it enhances student-student interaction, 54% reported that it enhances student-content interaction and 42% of the participants stated that it enhances student-instructor interaction. They concluded that WhatsApp platform offers them a space for communicating, expressing ideas and exchanging information anytime and anywhere. However, (a) expenses involved in WhatsApp use, (b) extra work load, (c) distraction to learning and (d) lack of students’ commitment for effective participation were identified as the greatest challenges of effective WhatsApp use for learning purposes.