Investigating the Potential Use Of Instant Messaging(IM) in E1ig]ish' Language learning

Abstract

ABSTRACT . Owing to its easy access and user-fi'iendly interfaces, the worldwide popularity of Instant Messaging (IM) has grown significantly in recent years. This study proposed that IMcan be used as a modem learning tool for enhancing English communication. The current i study investigated university students’ perceptions of the use oi‘. instant messaging (IM) in their English learning. The study also discussed the potential usability and efficiency of the proposed application. A survey instrument was developed to achieve the described objective. One hundred and ninty-eight Sudanese university students completed the survey. Five statistical analysis methods including descriptive statistics; factor analysis, T-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and path analysis were perfonned to test the hypotheses of the study. This study concluded that the implementation of 11VI in English learning is feasible due to students’ interest in English learning and their familiarity with IM. The implementation of IM in English learning may be valuable to non-English speaking countries. Future studies should employ an experimental design to investigate whether implementing IM would enhance students’ English fluency.