ENGLISH STUDY PROGRAM OF GRAHA NUSANTARA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION TOWARD THE USE OF “WHATSAPP” FOR LEARNING

Abstract

The present study was intended to explore English Study Program of Graha Nusantara University students’ perception of WhatsApp use for English learning. Twenty students at English Study Program of Graha Nusantara University, were involved in this study. The study employed a qualitative method with a case study design using questionnaires and semi-structured interview as data collection methods. Basic statistical analysis was used to analyze data from the questionnaire, and the data from interviews were analyzed using the flow model by Miles and Huberman. The results indicated that the students in this study use WhatsApp for learning and improving their English. It is shown that even though self-effort to internet access was the main obstacle in the learning, their reading and writing skills were found improved. This result in the futureis expected to be able to make other faculties realize that smart phone application can enhance the learning environment and outcome. Further, they stated that WhatsApp provides them English content sources to practice their English skills, specifically listening, enlarges their vocabulary and increases their pronunciation knowledge. Besides, as social media provides a lot of English content, students can repeat English content which they like anytime and anywhere. The situation creates a stress-free language environment for students to be comfortable and motivated to learn English outside classroom. Students also stated their challenge in using WhatsApp for learning, such as internet connection problems, privacy, and inappropriate content. Based on the results, it can be concluded that students have a positive perception of employing WhatsApp to learn English.