Research has found that mobile messaging service WhatsApp can provide rural teachers with organisational support, serve as virtual communities of practice (VCoPs) and support skills and professional development, Stellenbosch University (SU) Life Sciences facilitator and SU Centre for Pedagogy (SUNCEP) ICT coordinator Dr Pauline Hanekom found in her doctoral study. Previous research showed how WhatsApp groups can support the creation of networks between teachers in rural areas. The latest study highlighted the value of such groups for teachers who are far from other short-course participants, and in many cases are the only natural or Life Sciences teachers in their respective schools, and have positive impact on the performance of learners.
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