ESL University Students’ Attitudes Towards Using WhatsApp in Academic Writing
This study examined the relationship between behavioural intention and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) variables: Perceived usefulness, ease of use and attitudes towards WhatsApp tool in teaching and learning academic writing skills in Botswana. This study accurately hypothesized a positive and significant relationship between behavioural intention to use WhatsApp in academic writing and dimensions of usefulness, and extent of use of WhatsApp. However, there was no significant relationship between ease of use and behavioural intention (0.436); and perceived web based privacy (0.878). 120 questionnaires were distributed with a response rate of 85%. 70 questionnaires were administered at the University of Botswana and 50 at Botho University also in Botswana. The questionnaire consisted of a 5-Point Likert Scale. The data were subjected to validity and reliability in order to explicate the psychometric competence of the scale items in the Botswana context. Correlation and regression analysis established the association and relationship of the hypothesized sub-constructs in this study. Simple random probability sampling technique was adopted in this empirical study. Scale items were adapted from Davis’s (1989) TAM model. The findings thus provide a strategic platform for understanding learners in Synchronous and Asynchronous discussion in Digital Learning mode of the 21st Century.
