Comparative and Investigative Study of Viber and WhatsApp Capabilities in Higher Education

The purpose of present study was to investigate and compare Viber and WhatsApp capabilities in teaching and learning from university students’ point of view. Combined research method was used and the population of study consisted of all university students users of Viber and WhatsApp at Shahreyar Payamenoor University in 1393-94. Out of this population, 13 and 143 university students were selected randomly for qualitative and quantitative sections, respectively. Semi-structured interview and researcher made test were used to gather required information and to investigate the research questions. Based on theoretical principles, empirical literature, and interview with specialists in forming and managing group components, using multimedia, educational attractiveness, security and creditability, feasibility of installing and administration, researcher made questionnaire consisted of 29 items. Research findings revealed that from students’ point of view group, formation and management capability of Viber was average and its multimedia, installing and administration feasibility was desirable. They also stated that educational attractiveness, security and creditability of Viber were weak. University students also asserted that educational attractiveness of WhatsApp was weak but its other variables were desirable. In addition, the results of multi variable variance analysis indicated no statistically significant difference between two programs in terms of being multimedia program and educational attractiveness. However, there was significant difference in-group formation and management, security and creditability, installation and administration feasibility variables of two programs. With regard to the importance of mobile messenger programs in learning settings, appropriate software should be designed based on the principles and standards of educational planning and should be incorporated into learning milieus.