Mobile messaging can deepen course discussion engagement
Compared with forum-style discussion, WeChat-based mobile instant messaging better supported interaction, relationships, and higher-level cognitive engagement in optional tasks.
Source
Effects of using mobile instant messaging on student behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement: a quasi-experimental study
Study at a glance
- Design
- Other — Comparison of WeChat MIM vs asynchronous online discussion in a flipped course
- N
- N=54 · 26 MIM and 28 AOD students completed the quiz
- Population
- Hong Kong flipped-course students using MIM or forum discussion
- Outcome
- Behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement under MIM vs AOD
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Mobile messaging can deepen course discussion engagement
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26 MIM and 28 AOD students completed the quiz
26 students from the MIM group and 28 from the AOD group completed the quiz.
What were the two discussion conditions?
We compared the use and effects of MIM and AOD on students’ behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement
What they did
In a flipped education course at a Hong Kong university, researchers used a historical-cohort quasi-experiment: an experimental cohort discussed via WeChat (MIM) while a comparison cohort used asynchronous online discussion (AOD). They examined behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement indicators plus interviews.
What they found
MIM better facilitated interaction and interpersonal relationships, and in optional tasks showed more idea exchange and creating activities—suggesting stronger cognitive engagement when participation was voluntary. Authors argue MIM’s intimacy and interactivity can support motivation for social learning.
The limits
What it doesn't show
Cohorts were separated in time, so semester differences could confound results. Findings come from one course using WeChat and may not transfer to all MIM apps or mandatory high-stakes discussions.
Key terms
- Mobile instant messaging (MIM)
- Smartphone chat apps used for near-real-time text communication (e.g., WeChat).
- Asynchronous online discussion (AOD)
- Forum-style discussion where posts are not exchanged in real time.
- Cognitive engagement
- Investment in deep thinking, idea exchange, and creative knowledge work.
- Behavioral engagement
- Observable participation and interaction patterns in learning activities.
- Emotional engagement
- Affective connection, belonging, or interpersonal closeness in learning.
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Common questions
What platform did the MIM group use?
WeChat for course-related discussion.
When did cognitive engagement differences show clearly?
Especially in optional tasks where students chose whether/how to participate.
Was this fully randomized?
No; it used a historical cohort control quasi-experiment.
What course format was used?
A flipped course meeting weekly for eight weeks in Hong Kong.
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