Proceedings of the 36th International Academic Conference, London

IT WORKS! WHATSAPP AS A SUPPLEMENTARY TEACHING TOOL IN HIGHER EDUCATION : A STUDY OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATION IN MEGHALAYA, INDIA

BIKIKA LALOO

Abstract:

That Social Networking Sites (SNS) or Social Media are pervading people’s lives all over the world is well established by now. Apart from their manifold uses and abuses, SNS are also playing a significant role in academia, where a variety of groups have been formed for a variety of purposes. University Faculty are experimenting with Whatsapp as a supplementary tool for connecting with their students to enhance subject knowledge, to counsel and to promote a feeling of belongingness. This study explored the significance and value of Whatsapp groups initiated for four papers in the Department of Library and Information Science, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, India. The Whatsapp questionnaire that was shared in the respective groups generated data that confirm the significance of Whatsapp groups as supplementary tools for teaching and also as important spaces for holistic development of students

Keywords: Social Networking Sites; Whatsapp Groups; Higher Education; Teaching Methods; Library and Information Science Education

DOI: 10.20472/IAC.2018.036.025

PDF: Download