Effectiveness of social networks (WhatsApp) as a platform for enhancing student’s academic performance

There is a current debate on whether or not WhatsApp is effective for improving student’s grades. Though, findings show there is little research to back this claim. However, it has been found in other studies that the use of WhatsApp positively affects student grades as long as it’s purely used for academic work. The present study re-established this fact by testing the efficiency of WhatsApp as a platform for learning using the adapted Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in determining factors that influence the use of WhatsApp Messenger in Students’ Academic Performance. The theory was briefly described here with an overview of the four constructs in the UTUAT model which include performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions - that would impact user behavior toward the acceptance and use of the WhatsApp application as a technological tool in learning. In the limit of these four constructs, a motivation construct was introduced in the model to expatiate the motive behind the user’s behavioral intention of using and adopting new technology for learning. The study concludes by endorsing the utilization of the WhatsApp messenger in education, particularly tertiary institutions, which is seen as supportive learning technology that benefits both the students and lecturers.