The Impact of WhatsApp-based Mobile Learning on Academic Achievement among BSN Students at Isra University, Hyderabad

Abstract

WhatsApp as an application for messages is integrated into the academic processes, particularly necessary in the nursing educational process, where effective communication and cooperation play an important role. However, the influence of WhatsApp on students’ performance and accomplishment in their assignments is still under-researched. This study aimed to assess the impact of WhatsApp-based mobile learning on academic achievement among   BSN students at Isra University, Hyderabad. This was a cross-sectional study done between July and September 2024 involving 80 BSN students in a specified university selected by stratified random sampling. Participants completed a validated questionnaire which included questions related to their socio-demographic profile as well as their perceptions of how WhatsApp has impacted their performance. The data was analyzed using IBM version 23 software and descriptive statistics. According to the findings, 45% of participants reported that their communication on WhatsApp had negative effect on the academic life. 53.8% of the students responded that they have a challenge in balancing between using WhatsApp and studying, Although 62.5% of participants indicated that WhatsApp discussion improved their performance, 50% of them used the platform to share study material. Still, there were some benefits: 42.5% of the students admitted using WhatsApp as the main source of academic information. Moreover, concerning the impact of the use of WhatsApp to personal lives, 41.3% of the respondents observed negative influence. The study concluded that WhatsApp can help with collaborative learning but the group messaging service can also be a source of distraction and that learners rely on social media for content related to their courses. WhatsApp utilization at learning institutions should be done cautiously; special attention should be paid to time and information sources.