The use of authentic material through WhatsApp in teaching listening skills in EFL out-of-classroom settings

Abstract

Abstract: The study focused on using WhatsApp to help ESL learners Foreign Language (EFL) with their listening comprehension. Evaluate the effect of this application on the Development of students' listening skills was the main objective. Students of 2nd year of Unified General Baccalaureate (BGU) in Quito, Ecuador, participated in the study, which used a variety of instruments to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data simultaneously. These instruments included an observation sheet for each intervention, videos with a short questionnaire and surveys to students and teachers about advantages and disadvantages. Authentic materials, such as questionnaires, were used to measure use of technology and student perceptions. The results indicated an improvement significant in listening comprehension after using WhatsApp, highlighting its potential as an effective educational tool.