A dataset on Whatsapp groups effectiveness in inducting first years to university

Abstract

WhatsApp as the most popular instant messaging technology that has created opportunities for online cooperation and teamwork among students in the university context [1] and allows students to communicate even outside school hours [2]. Transitioning from high school to university can be a challenging experience for many students, particularly those who are entering a new academic atmosphere with greater autonomy and higher workload [3]. This data publication [4] presents a dataset capturing the perceptions of first-year university students on the utilization of WhatsApp as a means of continuous induction into university life. The dataset includes responses from participants on 7 background questions and 14 Likert scale questions, measuring agreeableness on the academic dimension of the academic dropout wheel [5].The questionnaire aimed to investigate the effectiveness of WhatsApp groups established by academic support staff in facilitating the integration of first-year students into both formal academic structures and informal social systems within the campus. The data may offer valuable insights into the potential benefits of WhatsApp as an educational tool and its impact on fostering a positive academic environment, ultimately helping to reduce dropout rates in institutions of higher learning.Researchers, educators, and policymakers can utilize this dataset to gain a deeper understanding of the role that WhatsApp can play in enhancing student engagement and promoting successful integration into university life. By harnessing the information from this dataset, institutions can develop targeted strategies to provide effective support systems for first-year students, thereby promoting academic success and retention.

Keywords

• Student orientation
• Dropout
• Academic support