Benefits and Drawbacks of WhatsApp Utilisation as a Learning Support Tool in Adult Literacy Programmes in Nigeria
Abstract

This study examined the benefits and drawbacks of using WhatsApp as a learning support tool for adult literacy in Nigeria. While educators acknowledge the widespread use of WhatsApp among adult learners in Nigerian, there is dearth of studies on the benefits and drawbacks of its use in adult literacy in Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design since it was not interested in manipulating any variables, other than describing events that already occurred. The study population comprised of all adult learners at the University of Ibadan Experimental Literacy Programme, at intermediate and advanced levels. The sample size was 20 adult learners selected using a purposive sampling technique. A self-developed questionnaire titled Questionnaire on Benefit and Drawbacks of WhatsApp Use in Adult Literacy Programme (r=0.75). Data were analysed using frequency counts and simple percentages. Results revealed the following benefits of using WhatsApp for adult learning: flexibility in learning, immediate feedback, collaborative learning, and requires less technical support. The drawback included the inability for some adult learners to use WhatsApp without support at the beginning of the intervention. The paper recommended, among others, that adult literacy facilitators should be trained to use the social media generally and
WhatsApp particularly to support adult learning and education policy makers should develop and implement policies that integrate the social media, particularly WhatsApp, in adult literacy programmes in Nigeria.

Citation
Dr. Solomon O. Ojedeji. Benefits and Drawbacks of WhatsApp Utilisation as a Learning Support Tool in Adult Literacy Programmes in Nigeria. International Journal of Continuing and Non-Formal Education (IJCNFE), 11, 450-463.