388 Sustainable Development through Arabic and Islamic Studies THE IMPACT OF WHATSAPP ON INTERACTION IN LANGUAGE TEACHING COURSE Fathima Shameera Abdul Wahid , Fathima Nadhira Abdul Kuddoos , Fathima Shafrana Abdul Wahid (3) 1 BA (Hons) in ICT, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, 2 BA, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, 3 3rd year, Faculty of Islamic Studies & Arabic Languages, SEUSL shameerawahid77@gmail.com Abstract This paper aimed to interrogate the impact of WhatsApp mobile instant messaging service on the enhancement of the instructional interaction. The near ubiquitous access of mobile technology has attracted the attention of educators to seek ways to become more efficient and effective in their efforts to prepare their students for the demands and challenges of a globally competitive society through utilizing mobile technology as educational tools. Also, identify the challenges of using this application as a mobile learning tool. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews and an analysis of the postings on WhatsApp platform. In conclusion, WhatsApp platform offers a space for communicating, expressing ideas and exchanging information anytime and anywhere. However, expenses involved in WhatsApp use, extra workload, distraction to learning and lack of students’ commitment for effective participation were identified as the greatest challenges of effective WhatsApp use for learning purposes.

A.W.F. Shafrana

Papers

The impact of WhatsApp on interaction in language teaching course