Using WhatsApp to Practice Essay Writing Skills: Perspectives from Ecuadorian Undergraduate Polytechnic Students

Abstract

Through a mixed-methods design, this paper aims to identify the positive impact of using WhatsApp in and outside the classroom to practice writing skills and improve persuasive essays. The study used a questionnaire to obtain learners’ feelings, their ideas about the advantages and disadvantages of using the app, and their level of acceptance. Findings conclude that participants have a positive attitude and a high level of acceptance toward the app. The most significant advantage noted is that the application is free, while the long time spent on the chat group is seen as a major drawback.