The use of WhatsApp for Communication and Inclusion in academic monitoring

an experience report

Abstract

WhatsApp is a digital tool that, beyond facilitating communication, has the potential to foster engaging, interactive, and inclusive learning environments. When integrated with academic monitoring, its benefits are notably amplified, as both function as bridges connecting students, the teacher, the student-monitor, and the pedagogical activities proposed throughout the course. This experience report aims to describe the implementation of this integration and to highlight the outcomes achieved. A qualitative approach was employed to structure the writing of the experience report, and the participant observation method was used to collect information during the academic monitoring of the course “Organization and Representation of Health Information.” The initial hypothesis regarding the tool pointed solely to rapid communication. However, it was found that the use of the WhatsApp group exceeded expectations and provided a more inclusive and participatory environment among students, the instructor, the student-monitor, and the course activities. It is concluded that the group was essential for decision-making, risk mitigation and management, programming flexibilizations, time optimization, and an incentive for permanence in the course.