Exploring the use of text and instant messaging in higher education classrooms

Sharon Lauricella; Robin Kay

doi:10.3402/rlt.v21i0.19061

Exploring the use of text and instant messaging in higher education classrooms

Sharon Lauricella University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Robin Kay University of Ontario Institute of Technology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21i0.19061

Keywords: text messaging, instant messaging, student-faculty interaction, peer-to-peer interaction

Abstract

This article examined how higher education students used text and instant messaging for academic purposes with their peers and faculty. Specifically, comfort level, frequency of use, usefulness, reasons for messaging and differences between peer-to-peer and peer-to-instructor interactions were examined. Students noted that they were very comfortable with using both text and instant messaging. Text messaging was used weekly with instructors and daily with peers. Instant messaging was used rarely with instructors but weekly with peers. Students rated text messaging as very useful and instant messaging as moderately useful for academic purposes. Key reasons cited for using both text and instant messaging included saving time, resolving administrative issues, convenience and ease of use. Text messaging appears to be the preferred mode of communication for students with respect to communicating with both peers and instructors. It is concluded that both text and instant messaging are useful and viable tools for augmenting student's communication among peers and faculty in higher education.

Keywords: text messaging; instant messaging; student–faculty interaction; peer-to-peer interaction

(Published: 3 September 2013)

Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2013, 21: 19061 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21i0.19061

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Author Biographies

Sharon Lauricella, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities

Robin Kay, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Associate Professor, Faculty of Education

Published

2013-09-03

How to Cite

Lauricella S., & Kay R. (2013). Exploring the use of text and instant messaging in higher education classrooms. Research in Learning Technology, 21. https://doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21i0.19061

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Issue

Vol. 21 (2013)

Section

Original Research Articles

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