This case study examined the use of WhatsApp groups as an asynchronous tool to enhance collaborative learning among Syrian learners in an English for Business Purposes (EBP) course, a specialized English for Specific Purposes (ESP) strand focused on professional business communication. Employing a mixed-methods design, quantitative data from 5-point Likert scale questionnaires assessed attitudes, satisfaction, and perceived effectiveness, while semi-structured interviews provided qualitative insights into experiences. Most participants reported positive views, emphasizing expanded interaction beyond classroom limits. SPSS analysis of survey data revealed high approval for ease of use, accessibility, and learning impacts. Thematic analysis of interviews highlighted benefits like scheduling flexibility, peer interaction, knowledge sharing, real-time feedback, and practical business skills development via authentic discussions. Challenges included unreliable internet, varying tech proficiency, nonacademic distractions, and insufficient moderation. Data triangulation, including integrating questionnaires, interviews, and group observations, bolstered findings’ reliability and validity, offering a holistic view of WhatsApp’s efficacy in EBP. The study concluded that such tools boost engagement, motivation, and outcomes in needs-based ESP settings, providing educators with strategies to overcome geographical and temporal barriers in professional language training.
Armnazi et al. (Fri,) studied this question.