Journal Article
This study was set to investigate how WhatsApp Messenger supported learner-centred
teaching and learning. Specifically, the study evaluated the level of exchange of scholarly
information resources among students through WhatsApp Messenger, determined how
WhatsApp supports learner-centred learning and assessed challenges influencing students
when using WhatsApp Messenger in teaching and learning. The study involved
undergraduate students and instructors at the Department of Records and Information Studies.
It employed random sampling techniques in selecting students and purposive techniques in
selecting instructors to be included in the study. Major results indicate that WhatsApp
Messenger was highly adopted and used for supporting learning. All respondents were
members of WhatsApp Messenger groups. Results indicate that the usage of WhatsApp
Messenger has improved the accessibility of reading materials and reading culture among
students. Usage of WhatsApp Messenger in learner-centred teaching and learning approaches
is limited by the inadequate mobile phone storage space for downloaded scholarly contents
and interruptions made by non-academic conversations made through the same application. It
is concluded that if used effectively, the application may increase academic performance
among students. It recommends developing WhatsApp Messenger functionalities that may
facilitate the moderation of the teaching and learning process and make mobile internet
services affordable.