Interactive Learning Environments: A Systematic Review of Mobile Instant Messaging's Impact, Challenges, and Future Trajectories

Abstract

With the rapid development of information technologies, Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) has been widely applied to education, exerting a far-reaching influence on interactive learning environments. This study, employing a systematic review according to PRISMA protocol, aims to comprehensively and rigidly analyze the effect of MIM on interactive learning environments, including the advantages, challenges, and future trends. Reviewing previous research, this study finds that MIM can not only promote synchronous interactions between teachers and students but also enhance the flexibility and autonomy of learners, coupled with rich teaching strategies and plentiful learning resources. However, there are also challenges in using MIM, e.g. information overloads, technological over-reliance, cybersecurity, etc. This study provides constructive suggestions for educators, researchers, and practitioners to improve interactive learning environments.