Using WhatsApp for small group work
WhatsApp or WhatsApp Messenger is an instant messaging (chat) application that is owned by Facebook. It has end-to-end encryption, so your interactions are private and secure, but the app can share some of your data with Facebook (e.g. your telephone number, location and product interactions). It is free to download from this website: https://www.whatsapp.com/download/?lang=en
With WhatsApp you can:
- Send text messages*
- Make voice and video calls*
- Share photos and videos
- Send files (up to 100MB in size)
- Create groups and share text messages, photos and videos synchronously (with up to 256 people - although I wouldn't recommend this!)
* Whilst most of these functions are free, please be aware that some data charges may apply if you are not connected to a WiFi network when using WhatsApp.
Why use WhatsApp?
As a student in CTE, you will be expected to undertake group work at some point during your studies. To this end you may have been allocated a study group. If you have, this may be used for both face to face and online group activities. Given the current climate it is important that you can stay in contact with your study group, particularly if we end up having to study fully online again. One way to do this, is to use a WhatsApp group. We are not endorsing the use of WhatsApp and recognise that other instant messaging platforms are available (which you are welcome to use). But if you do decide to use WhatsApp, here are some points to consider:
- All members of the study group should be invited to join the WhatsApp group. If anyone decides they do not want to participate (or cannot participate) then as a group you need to find a workable alternative. Email (your Warwick email not your personal email) is one such option, but be aware that email responses can be slower and this may not work particularly well during synchronous online group activities.
- You will need to designate a group administrator for your study group and this person will need to create a free WhatsApp account. Other members of the group do not need a WhatsApp account to participate.
- You will need to share your personal mobile number with the group administrator and they will add your phone number to the group. Please be aware that the number you provide will be visible and available to all of the members of your study group. You can opt to leave the WhatsApp group at any time and if you leave Warwick, your number should be removed from the group by the administrator.
- Never give your personal information to someone you don’t know, and don’t be afraid to block or report users that you think are trying to scam you. WhatsApp supports two-step verification in the form of a six-digit PIN that can improve security (but it will slow down the interactive nature of any communication).
WhatsApp Etiquette
This etiquette has been developed from a template created by BespokeHR.
- Be considerate of and respectful to all members of your group(s).
- Be polite and observe the same level of courtesy you would if you were speaking to someone face to face at school or on campus at University.
- Do not comment on or share content (including videos or pictures) that could be interpreted as inappropriate, demeaning or inflammatory. Think of the Warwick Teacher Values and the Teacher Standards!
- Please only discuss study related matters on the group and use alternative groups or applications for personal discussions or for organising out of University activities.
- Please do not share or discuss identifiable pupil information. This includes pupils' names, learning needs or school details. You can use aliases if that makes things easier (e.g. Pupil X at School Y).
- Please do not share confidential information about your school, Warwick University or individuals in the WhatsApp group.
- Please continue to use the current absence reporting process if you are sick and unable to attend your placement or University sessions.