שימוש בקבוצות ווטסאפ לצורך למידה באקדמיה במהלך מגפת הקורונה: סקירת היקף

"WhatsApp" is an instant messaging application, and its use for teaching and learning purposes has been widespread in recent years. The immediate and complete transition to distance learning increased the use of digital technologies, including the WhatsApp application. This study aims to get a comprehensive picture of the integration of WhatsApp groups in academic learning during the COVID-19 epidemic. A scoping review of the articles published on the subject was carried out to examine its advantages and challenges.For this review, 21 articles in the English language that were published in the years 2020 to 2022 in nine different countries were located, mapped, and analyzed. The review's findings indicate applying various quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Among the study subjects studied, the most common was learning English as a foreign language. This review generally reflected a positive position toward integrating WhatsApp groups into learning and teaching processes in the academy.The pedagogical advantages were noted, such as creating scholarly discourse, sharing learning materials, and learning anywhere and anytime. At the same time, the findings regarding the effect of the integration of the WhatsApp group on academic achievements are not unequivocal and require further clarification. In examining the challenges from a pedagogical point of view, concerns arose about social distancing, which impairs the ability to monitor learning processes.Factors such as motivation, sense of belonging, involvement, and enjoyment were noted in the social-emotional field. The social-emotional field received a considerable place relative to the pre-pandemic occupation of the subject. Still, it received limited attention compared to the pedagogical and technical fields.The reference to technical issues was given a central place, reflecting the need to maintain scholarly communication during social distancing. Compared to various other technological tools, including other social networks, the use of WhatsApp for learning purposes has many advantages, including ease of operation, low costs, and diverse options.The findings of this review may help researchers, policymakers, and lecturers choose the best way to integrate an instant messaging application such as WhatsApp into the learning processes during a crisis and on regular days.