Challenges in Using WhatsApp as an Online Arabic Learning Center - Vol. 21 No. 2 - Abstract

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by hdkawk

This study investigates the challenges and obstacles encountered when using WhatsApp as an online Arabic learning center and the strategies to overcome them. Qualitative data were collected through observations of 71 students and 2 Arabic language teachers, then strengthened via interviews with five students and 2 teachers. Findings show obstacles arise not only from students, guardians, and teachers, but also from WhatsApp limitations, such as maximum file size and a record button that is prone to cancellation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

A. Introduction

Learning media in online Arabic learning

Advantages and disadvantages of online Arabic learning media

Zoom Cloud Meeting

YouTube

E-Learning Moodle

DINAMIKA ILMU Vol. 21 No. 2, 2021 P-ISSN: 1411-3031; E-ISSN: 2442-9651 doi: [http://doi.org/10.21093/di.v21i2.3691](http://doi.org/10.21093/di.v21i2.3691) Challenges in Using WhatsApp as An Online Arabic Learning Center A. Syahid Robbani Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Yogyakarta [e-mail: syahidrobbani5@gmail.com](e-mail: syahidrobbani5@gmail.com) Zulfa Amalia Wahidah Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga, Yogyakarta [e-mail: zamalia.wahidah@gmail.com](e-mail: zamalia.wahidah@gmail.com) Ahmad Muzayyan Haqqy Universitas Islam Negeri Mataram [e-mail: muzayyan.haqqy@gmail.com](e-mail: muzayyan.haqqy@gmail.com) Abstract This study examined the challenges and obstacles faced in using WhatsApp as an online Arabic learning center and efforts to overcome them. The data from this qualitative study were obtained from observations of 71 students and 2 Arabic language teachers. The data was then validated and strengthened by interviews with five students and 2 Arabic language teachers. The results of this study showed that the challenges and obstacles in using WhatsApp as an online Arabic learning center did not only come from students, student guardians, and teachers but can also come from the limitations of the WhatsApp application itself, such as the maximum file size limit that can be sent and the record button prone to be canceled. In overcoming the existing obstacles, the teacher converts the files to be sent first, lowers the level of questions in assignments, pays attention to the accuracy of students’ answers in doing assignments, and collaborates WhatsApp with Google Drive and Instagram. Finally, by looking at the role of the WhatsApp application in the current learning process, the researcher hopes that the WhatsApp application developer will consider providing WhatsApp for Education like WhatsApp for Business which has existed for a long time. Keywords: Arabic Learning, Online Learning, WhatsApp Dinamika Ilmu, Volume 21(2), 2021 437 A. Syahid Robbani et al. A. Introduction Learning media is everything that can be used to deliver messages from the sender to the recipient to stimulate students’ thoughts, feelings, attention, interests, and willingness in such a way that the learning process occurs to achieve learning objectives effectively (Sukiman, 2010) . Media use in Arabic learning is needed to make the learning process more comfortable and become a fun learning activity for students (Sukamto et al., 2017) . Learning media is one of the factors that can affect the learning process and other factors such as learning instruments, learning methods, and evaluation and assessment (Anah, 2020) . Moreover, learning media plays an essential role in helping teachers to present the material to be taught. The use of appropriate learning media will undoubtedly raise the enthusiasm and motivation of students in learning. It also determines how much learning materials can be delivered and then absorbed and understood by students. Among the electronic devices that can be used to facilitate online Arabic learning are smartphones, laptops, and computers. More specifically, teachers and students can access applications or websites through these devices such as WhatsApp, Zoom Meeting, Google Classroom, Youtube, E-learning, Moodle, Open Learning, Microsoft Team, or other applications and websites that can be used as learning media. Teachers can combine several existing applications and websites to use in online Arabic learning. However, teachers must also consider and pay attention to the extent of students’ abilities and readiness, both related to the ownership of smartphones or laptops, internet quotas, and network strength to access applications or websites because each application and website requires a different internet network quota and strength. Some of the applications and websites that have been mentioned above certainly have their advantages and disadvantages. These advantages and disadvantag

FAQs

What challenges were identified when using WhatsApp for online Arabic learning?

Challenges came from students, guardians, and teachers, as well as from WhatsApp limitations such as maximum file size and a record button that is prone to being canceled.

How was the research data collected and validated?

Data were gathered through qualitative observations of 71 students and 2 Arabic teachers, then validated and reinforced through interviews with five students and 2 Arabic teachers.

What strategies did teachers use to overcome obstacles?

Teachers converted files before sending, lowered the level of questions in assignments, focused on the accuracy of students’ answers, and collaborated WhatsApp with Google Drive and Instagram.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by hdkawk