Whatsapp as a teaching and learning tool by higher education teachers: an investigation using the TAM technology acceptance model

The main goal of this research is to propose and test a theoretical model to investigate factors that influence the use of WhatsApp by higher education instructors as a tool to enhance the teaching and learning process during traditional (face-to-face) classes. For this, we used the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Following an online survey that resulted in a sample of 229 higher education instructors. The collected data was analyzed through the Structural Equations Modeling (SEM). The results show that compatibility has a strong influence on perceived ease of use, perceived utility and attitude towards use. Moreover, attitude towards use also has a relevant effect on the intention to use WhatsApp as an educational technology. Finally, the results suggest that higher education instructors, when evaluating mobile learning technologies, consider the compatibility with their values, needs and experiences, combined with the perception of how useful it can be in the classroom, as relevant factors in forming a positive attitude towards using the new technology, such as WhatsApp in this case, for teaching purposes.