Evaluating the Effectiveness of Using Social Networking-Based Mobile Learning Model in Universities

the purpose of this study was to apply and evaluate the effectiveness of the mobile learning model in transferring the concepts of academic courses and in particular the statistics course on the social networking context.

The research method was quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test design in both experimental and control groups. The statistical population of this study includes all students studying at the Free and Public Universities of Tehran in the 1397 academic year who were studying. From this statistical population, 90 individuals were selected and assigned to the experimental and control groups (45 each) randomly. The experimental group completed a 17-session WhatsApp social networking course on statistical methods and the control group attended the same course in person. Data collection tools included a questionnaire to measure satisfaction of learning / classroom environment and a test of academic achievement to assess learners' learning effectiveness.

Concerning the components of effectiveness (content, instructor and facilities), the results showed that learners in the experimental group had more satisfaction with the class and better learning compared to the in-person courses.

Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that applying social network based mobile learning model in university education increases the effectiveness of educational courses.