
Learners’ Perceptions on the Integration of Audio-Visual Simulations and WhatsApp into Physical Sciences Teaching and Learning – A Case Study of a University of Technology in South Africa
Issue: Vol. 6 No. 12 2025 Article 22 pp.1523 – 1537
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.202561222 Published online 30th December, 2025.
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Keywords: Learners’ Perceptions, Audio-Visual Simulations, WhatsApp, Physical Science, High School
Afriza, Dedy Afriza, and Nanda Eska Anugrah Nasution. “Comparison of the Learning Outcomes of Junior High School Students Utilizing Audio-Visual and Chart Learning Media to Study Ecosystem.” META: Journal of Science and Technological Education 1, no. 1 (2022): 46–57.
Amaral, João Alberto Arantes do, and Felipe Fregni. “Fostering System Thinking Learning by Combining Problem-Based Learning and Simulation-Based Learning Approaches.” International Journal of Instruction 14, no. 3 (July 1, 2021): 1–16. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2021.1431a.
Aryanata, I Made Wahyu Aryanata, Ni Nyoman Padmadewi, and I Gusti Ayu Lokita Purnamika Utami. “Implementation of Voice Note on WhatsApp for Teaching Speaking English.” Journal of Educational Study 2, no. 1 (February 15, 2022): 54–64. https://doi.org/10.36663/joes.v2i1.221.
Astra, I. Made, Dwi Susanti, and Wulandari. “The Effects of Active Learning Model Team Quiz Type Assisted by Animation Video on Critical Thinking Ability of High School Students,” 020006, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0037590.
Balla, Fatima Shaira J, Shania H Jaafar, Narsima A Sabbaha, Al-Sharif H Jaafar, Norman A Abdurahman, Ayessa B Jailani, Nuralyn T Asmadi, Dermayna Jamar, and Rosilna J Rahimullah. “Challenges in Learning Sciences Among Senior High School Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (STEM) Students of Private School in Indanan, Sulu.” Ignatian International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research 2, no. 4 (2024): 1724–38.
Bouras, Nihal, Laila Ayaichi, Aziz Amaaz, Abderrahman Mouradi, and Mohamed Erradi. “Mobile Learning in Physics Education: Evaluating the Impact of Interactive Videos on Practical Work.” International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (IJIM) 19, no. 13 (July 14, 2025): 4–18. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v19i13.53617.
Department of Basic Education (DBE). National Senior Certificate Diagnostic Report Part 1: Content Subjects. Pretoria: Government Printing Office, 2021.
———. National Curriculum Statement (NCS) Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (FET) Grades 10 – 12 Physical Sciences. Pretoria: Government Printing Office, 2011.
———. National Senior Certificate Results Schools Subject Report. Pretoria: Government Printing Office, 2022.
Ewais, Ahmad, Rami Hodrob, Mohammad Maree, and Sirien Jaradat. “Mobile Learning Application for Helping Pupils in Learning Chemistry.” International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (IJIM) 15, no. 01 (January 12, 2021): 105. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i01.11897.
Galal, S. “Leading Social Media Platforms in South Africa 2022,” June 21, 2023. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1189958/penetration-rate-of-social-media-in-southafrica/#:~:text=WhatsApp is the most popular,percent and 73 percent%2C respectively.
Hasanah, Uswatun. “Exploring the Need for Using Science Learning Multimedia to Improve Critical Thinking Elementary School Students: Teacher Perception.” International Journal of Instruction 16, no. 1 (January 1, 2023): 417–40. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2023.16123a.
Jamil, Muhammad, Faiza Abdul Hafeez, and Noor Muhammad. “Critical Thinking Development for 21st Century: Analysis of Physics Curriculum.” Journal of Social & Organizational Matters 3, no. 1 (March 5, 2024): 01–10. https://doi.org/10.56976/jsom.v3i1.45.
Kahsay, Tewolde Tadele, Goitom Gebreyohannes Berhe, and Gebrekidan Mebrahtu Tesfamariam. “The Extent of Audio-Visual Material Use in the Teaching and Learning of Chemistry in Secondary Schools.” African Journal of Chemical Education 14, no. 2 (2024): 128–59.
Konyana, Shoorai, and Modise Alfred Motalenyane. “A Changing World and a Changing Teaching Practice Model for Zimbabwe in a Post COVID-19 Context.” Journal of Culture and Values in Education 5, no. 1 (2022): 43–58.
Lewitzky, Rachael. “Creating Communities of Inquiry in Research and Scholarship Via Online Videos.” Scholarly and Research Communication 13, no. 2 (August 23, 2022). https://doi.org/10.22230/src.2022v13n2a425.
Lukose, J. M., and A. O. Agbeyangi. “Is Social Media Hindering or Helping Academic Performance? A Case Study of Walter Sisulu University Buffalo City Campus.” ArXiv, 2025.
Maher, Damian. “Collaborative Learning in Schools With Social Media.” In Handbook of Research on Facilitating Collaborative Learning through Digital Content and Learning Technologies , 44–61. IGI Global, 2023. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-5709-2.ch003.
Ngonso, Blessed Frederick, Kingsley Eghonghon Ukhurebor, Peter Eshioke Egielewa, Juliana Ngozi Ndunagu, and Nana Kojo Yaah-Nyakko. “Impact of Social Media on Secondary Schools’ Youths within Edo North, Edo State, Nigeria: A Psychological Perspective.” Journal of Education and E-Learning Research 11, no. 1 (February 26, 2024): 181–92. https://doi.org/10.20448/jeelr.v11i1.5419.
Nkanyani, Tebogo Edwin, Awelani V. Mudau, and Lettah Sikhosana. “Teaching and Learning of Physical Sciences Grade 11 in Rural Schools through Rural Blended Learning Strategy.” Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education 20, no. 3 (March 1, 2024): em2413. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/14295.
Nungu, Leonard, Evode Mukama, and Ezechiel Nsabayezu. “Online Collaborative Learning and Cognitive Presence in Mathematics and Science Education. Case Study of University of Rwanda, College of Education.” Education and Information Technologies 28, no. 9 (September 8, 2023): 10865–84. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11607-w.
Oghly, Jurakulov Sanjar Zafarjon. “New Computer-Assisted Approaches to Teaching Physics.” American Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies (2993-2157) 1, no. 10 (2023): 173–77.
Ojelade, I A, B G Aregbesola, Adams Ekele, and Tope Gloria Olatunde-Aiyedun. “Effects of Audio-Visual Instructional Materials on Teaching Science Concepts in Secondary Schools in Bwari Area Council Abuja, Nigeria.” Ojelade, IA, Aregbesola, BG, Ekele, A., & Aiyedun, TG (September 2020). Effects of Audio-Visual Instructional Materials on Teaching Science Concepts in Secondary Schools in Bwari Area Council Abuja, Nigeria. The Environmental Studies Journal (TESJ) 3, no. 2 (2020): 52–61.
Padhi, Gitanlaji. “Audio Visual Aids in Education.” International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research 8, no. 4 (2021): 242–49.
Pellas, Nikolaos. “The Impact of AI-Generated Instructional Videos on Problem-Based Learning in Science Teacher Education.” Education Sciences 15, no. 1 (January 18, 2025): 102. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15010102.
Petrucco, Corrado, and Daniele Agostini. “Problematic Smartphone Use and University Students’ Academic Performance.” JE-LKS. Journal Of E-Learning And Knowledge Society 19, no. 2 (2023): 30–38.
Qiqieh, Sura, Elham Hussein, and Mohammed Abou Adel. “The Impact of WhatsApp on First-Year Students’ Transition to University Life.” Frontiers in Education 10 (June 19, 2025). https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1552278.
Ramdas, Banoth, and G. Yashoda. “A Study on the Learning Difficulties in Physical Science at Secondary School Level.” SSRN Electronic Journal, 2020, 12–13. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3701442.
Saldaña, J. M. The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers. 4th ed. Sage Publications, 2021.
Sepadi, Medwin, and Karabo Molapo. “Exploring Teacher Understanding of Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement Document Implementation in South African Schools.” Frontiers in Education 9 (June 26, 2024). https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1354959.
Sheth, S., C. Pandya, A. Gandhi, P. Prakruti Patel, and C. Desai. “WhatsApp Assisted Learning versus Traditional Classroom Learning: A Crossover Study of Two Different Teaching Learning Methods in Undergraduate Medical Students.” International Journal of Medical Science and Advanced Clinical Research (IJMACR) 5, no. 3 (2022): 272–73. https://www.ijmacr.com.
Sikhosana, Lettah, and Awelani V. Mudau. “Echoes on the Teaching of Physical Science Using the Topic Projectile Motion.” International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478) 11, no. 7 (November 6, 2022): 276–83. https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v11i7.1994.
Sobaih, Abu Elnasr E., Amany E. Salem, Ahmed M. Hasanein, and Ahmed E. Abu Elnasr. “Responses to COVID-19 in Higher Education: Students’ Learning Experience Using Microsoft Teams versus Social Network Sites.” Sustainability 13, no. 18 (September 8, 2021): 10036. https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810036.
Strydom, A., and R.M. Bezuidenhout. “ Qualitative Data Collection.” In Research Matters, edited by Du Plooy Cilliers F., C. Davis, and R.M. Bezuidenhout, 228–63. Cape Town: Juta, 2014.
Surjoo, S. “Enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills of Grade 12 Physical Science Learners Using Audio-Visual Simulations and Social Network Sites.” Tshwane University of Technology, 2023.
Wibawa, Kadek Adi, and I P Payadnya. “Learning Effectiveness through Video Presentations and Whatsapp Group (WAG) in the Pandemic Time Covid-19.” AKSIOMA: Jurnal Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika 10, no. 2 (2021): 710–20.
Wijnen, Frances, Juliette Walma van der Molen, and Joke Voogt. “Primary Teachers’ Attitudes towards Using New Technology and Stimulating Higher-Order Thinking in Students: A Profile Analysis.” Education and Information Technologies 28, no. 6 (June 11, 2023): 6347–72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11413-w.
Wilujeng, Irma Tri Diana, and Suliyanah Suliyanah. “The Implementation of Problem Based Learning Model: An Effort in Upgrading Students’ Problem-Solving Skills.” Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika 10, no. 2 (April 23, 2022): 123–29. https://doi.org/10.26618/jpf.v10i2.7187.
Sholane Surjoo achieved her Master of Education degree (Physical Sciences) with distinction from Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa, and is pursuing a doctorate. She is a lecturer in the School of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education at North West University, Vaal campus in South Africa. Her research interest is in developing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of Physical Sciences learners through modern technologies and social networking. She is passionate about women and youth empowerment, founded an NPO, and led numerous empowerment programs worldwide. She has received an Influential Women Award in 2024 and the Imbokodo Woman Award in 2025 for her achievements. She is spiritual in nature and has written a book based on a sacred Hindu text. She has presented at a conference and published an article in an accredited journal.
Sibongile Simelane-Mnisi (DEd) is a full professor, lecturer, and instructional designer in the Faculty of Humanities, Department of Educational Foundation at Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa. A recognized scholar in educational technology, instructional design, and curriculum development, she has successfully supervised several master’s and doctoral students and hosted two postdoctoral research fellows. She has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, and book chapters. Her research interests span technology-enhanced teaching and learning, digital pedagogy, curriculum innovation, entrepreneurship in education, mathematics education, and general education. Through her teaching, publications, and international collaborations, Simelane-Mnisi continues to shape the fields of education by fostering innovation, inclusivity, and resilience. Recognized with awards such as Female Emerging Researcher of the Year, Academic Excellence Practitioner of the Year (2019/2020), and the Imbokodo Woman Award (2025), she continues to advance transformative teaching and learning locally and internationally.
Surjoo, Sholane, and Sibongile Simelane-Mnisi. “Learners’ Perceptions on the Integration of Audio-Visual Simulations and WhatsApp into Physical Sciences Teaching and Learning – A Case Study of a University of Technology in South Africa.” Journal of Education and Learning Technology 6, no. 12 (2025): 1523 – 1537. https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.202561222.
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Featured
