Extent of Utilization of Whatsapp for Enhancing Academic Learning by Business Education Students in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study determined the extent of utilization of WhatsApp by business education students for enhancing academic learning in Anambra State. One research question guided the study and one null hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. Descriptive survey research design was adopted and the population of 330 2018/2019 final year business education students in the four public tertiary institutions was studied without sampling. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire containing 6 items and validated by two experts in the field of business education and measurement and evaluation. Trial testing was used to establish the reliability of the instrument and data analysis with Cronbach Alpha yielded coefficient of 0.98. Three hundred and twenty (320) duly completed copies of the instrument were retrieved and used for the study. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research question and determined the homogeneity of the respondents' ratings while the t-test was used to test the hypothesis. Findings revealed that WhatsApp is utilized by business education students at great extent for enhancing academic learning. Gender significantly influenced respondents' mean ratings on the extent they utilize WhatsApp for enhancing academic learning. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers concluded that business education students recognize the importance of WhatsApp in enhancing their academic learning and therefore utilize it for academic purposes. It was therefore recommended among others that; Business education departments and administrators of tertiary institutions should continue to enlighten students through seminars and workshops on how to utilize WhatsApp for academic purposes to a very great extent