WHATSAPP AS A COLLABORATIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN UNIVERSITIES

The proliferation of mobile technologies has transformed educational experiences worldwide. Among these technologies, WhatsApp has emerged as a significant tool for communication, enabling collaborative learning beyond traditional classroom boundaries. This study examined the use of WhatsApp as a collaborative learning environment in universities, exploring its impact on student engagement, peer-to-peer interaction, and academic performance. Using a qualitative methodology, interviews were conducted with 40 undergraduate students across various faculties. The findings indicate that WhatsApp facilitates discussion, knowledge sharing, and group coordination, promoting a sense of community among learners. However, challenges such as distraction, over-reliance on informal communication, and privacy concerns were also identified. The study concludes that, when properly guided, WhatsApp can be an effective supplementary platform for collaborative learning in higher education institutions. Recommendations for best practices and pedagogical integration are provided.