Developing an Educational Framework for Using WhatsApp Based on Social Constructivism Theory

Abstract

Social media applications are one of the promising tools in facilitating the educational process. Among these applications, WhatsApp was recently suggested as one of the most popular applications used by students. However, there is a scarce of a framework that can fully utilize the WhatsApp for educational purposes. To bridge this gap and to draw upon the social constructivism framework, the aim of this study is to develop a social constructivism framework for WhatsApp (SCFW) that enables both formal (in-class) and informal (off-class) learning environment. The SCFW framework is based on the principle that educators can use WhatsApp closed groups to enable learners to construct and share knowledge with their peers. This has been accomplished through the integration of four aspects, including device aspect, social aspect, learner aspect, and teacher aspect.