Instant Chats in Collaborative Learning: Its Merits and Demerits in Bangladeshi Tertiary Education

Various technological platforms have become prominent in recent times for communication. It is hard to survive for educated people in this modern world without effective communication. People use various technological tools for mutual interaction. These technological aspects are Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Messenger, WhatsApp, and others. Among these instruments, instant messaging applications are the popular means through which students can share their ideas on how they can improve their English language skills. Group messenger or WhatsApp chatting are significant ways through which more than two students can discuss their study materials collaboratively. In this context, the main objective of this research is to find out the contributions of online group chatting to interactive English language learning. Many Bangladeshi tertiary-level students do not have proper knowledge about the use of technological tools. This study will help them to understand how messenger\WhatsApp chats can create an interactive and friendly environment among English language learners. The researcher followed qualitative research methods for this study. The researcher took semi-structured interviews with ten participants, all drawn from a renowned private university of Bangladesh. However, findings inform us that online messaging platforms help students to improve their English language in a rapid way. On the contrary, the researcher also found that students sometimes face difficulties while sharing their ideas in English through messenger\WhatsApp or other online applications. Finally, some recommendations have been proposed in light of the research findings.