This study explores the opening sequences of Mandarin text messages on WeChat, focusing on the role of the phrase "zaima," meaning "are you there?" in English, in digital communication. While conversation openings have been widely studied in face-to-face and telephonic interactions, research on text message openings, especially…

This study explores uses of the quote-and-reply (Q&R) function in WeChat through conversation analysis. Analyzing 7 naturally occurring chat samples, the research identifies 3 primary interactional practices: sequence-jumping, which enables responses to non-adjacent turns across temporal gaps; response facilitation, where quotes are…

Background: Computer programming learning and education play a critical role in preparing a workforce equipped with the necessary skills for diverse fields. ChatGPT and YouTube are technologies that support self-directed programming learning. Objectives: This study aims to examine the sentiments and primary topics discussed in YouTube comments…

This study investigates the interactional functions of the "Slightly Smiling Face" (SSF) emoji in Chinese WeChat conversations through the lens of Conversation Analysis (CA). Drawing on 50 naturally occurring chat excerpts involving 12 participants across various relationship types, the study identifies three core uses of the SSF emoji:…

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and implementation of a text message intervention to teach adolescents bystander intervention strategies. Adolescents (N = 123) engaged daily for 15 days with bystander education materials and questions sent to them by text message to their personal cell phones. The likelihood to intervene on…

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) chat (#NGSSchat) is a social media-based professional network used to discuss topics related to the NGSS in the United States. While successful reforms involve and coordinate the work of multiple stakeholders, recent research points out a striking lack of coordination between the individuals working in…

The Networking "Menu" is a customizable learning experience for online students to explore various ways to network virtually and to sharpen their networking skills. The "menu" offers four networking options for students to select from. Some networking options require that students network with their peers via virtual platforms…

The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has ignited debates regarding its potential benefits and detriments for education. Despite widespread discussions, insights into GenAI's impact on education have been limited because early studies have often been narrow in scope and focused on specific contexts. Therefore, the purpose of…

Technology may lead to many new problems, especially for students at high school level. The ease of using and accessing technology increases the risk of the younger pupils' addiction to technology. Problematic uses of technology, especially among high school students, include internet use, instant messaging, online gaming, social networking and…

In recent years, despite the extensive research on peer feedback, there remains limited understanding of how students engage in peer feedback activities within online English courses and what they expect from these activities. This study, utilizing a sequential explanatory mixed methods design with a phenomenological approach, introduced online…

The introduction of advanced technology and mobile instant messaging has constituted a novel social milieu which creates opportunities for individuals to initiate interactive and informative communications. Despite the benefits, negative consequences of social media use have been determined, some of which were presented through matters of concerns…

This study aims at exploring the forms, benefits and obstacles of distance education during COVID-19 pandemic. The study adopted the cross-sectional research approach. A sample of 377 university students were conveniently recruited during the second semester of the academic year 2020/2021. The researchers developed a valid and reliable…

In the last decade, social media have become important tools for educator professional development, learning and community. While education has traditionally proven to be an isolating profession, technologies such as Twitter offer opportunities for educators to collaborate beyond their school, district, region and nation. Education-related Twitter…

There is a need for synchronous and inclusive online peer tutoring in large, undergraduate classes. As a lack of data or internet connectivity may limit online peer tutoring, the use of a data-free instant messenger was implemented for online tutoring in a class of 342 students. The Moya application allows students to chat and send voice notes to…

In this study, we examined a mathematics teacher's communicative acts on an instant messaging tool, WhatsApp, and its role in creating a sustained learning environment between secondary-school students and a teacher in Turkey. The interactions of a mathematics teacher and his students (n = 38) over two years were explored. The WhatsApp group…