Perception of the Usage of Whatsapp for Instruction in Schools: A Case Study of Teachers in Senior High Schools in the Tema Metropolis

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to find out the perception of teachers on the usage of Whatsapp for instruction in senior high schools. The increase in enrollment numbers resulted in the adoption of the double track system (DTS) that necessitated the need to divide students and staff into two tracks, thus the Green Track of students to be at school for a semester and the Gold track followed during the Green Track students’ vacation on the academic calendar. WhatsApp, an instant messaging application is viewed in literature as a compelling tool in the instruction process that enables quick, interactive multimedia communication in closed groups, as well as one-on-one interactions between selected group members. Yet, it usage is not well documented thoroughly, and the extent to which it affects teacher-student interactions in the DTS, especially from the teachers’ perspective. The methodology combines questionnaires and focus groups within Tema Metropolis senior high school teachers (N=125) in the study. The research revealed that, perceived effectiveness (PE) account for the intended usage of WhatsApp Messenger for instruction. The present study adds to the expanding body of empirical research on social media use in educational settings by specifically focusing on under-exposed popular instant messaging application, WhatsApp. Recommendations have been developed for reforms on regular stakeholder’s consultations to understand the concept of using WhatsApp Messenger for instruction.