WhatsApp Messenger is owned by Facebook. WhatsApp allows sending of text messages and voice calls, as well as video calls, images and other media, documents, and user location. The application runs from a mobile device but it is also accessible from desktop computers from the following browsers, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera. To use it on a computer you must have scanned a QR code on your computer. In order to be able to use WhatsApp you must have a smobile number. |
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Benefits:
- WhatsApp is probably one of the most known messaging services
- widely used across Europe and understood
- most people already have the app and needs little training
- Can be used both for individual and group chats/calls/videocalls.
- very flexible to add videos, text,files and images
- You need to know the persons phone number - so works mobile to mobile
- Can set up the app on your PC
- Can create a closed group for learning/ sharing
- Can send private messages for personal communication/ feedback
- Can follow who is responding and track group conversations
Obstacles |
Solutions |
You need to know the phone numbers of those that you want to include in the WhatsApp group as WhatsApp can only be used on a specific mobile/phone number |
Before creating a group make sure that the participants have download WhatsApp and that they have given you their correct phone number |
You might loose the content/history if you change phone and you don’t know how to backup the data |
Create a Google account and then do the following: Open WhatsApp. Go to Menu Button > Settings > Chats > Chat backup. Tap Back up to Google Drive and set up the backup frequency to your liking. You will be prompted to select a Google account that you will back up your chat history to. Here is a link to a video that clarifies how to safely backup all your WhatsApp Data: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnqnxKL60vc |
Even if WhatsApp is widely used it is still not used in all countries |
Introduce them to the benefits of WhatsApp and show them how easy it is to use. Ask them if they could consider using WhatsApp for mentoring. If they are not willing choose another App, e.g. Messenger. |
All users must have downloaded the WhatsApp app to communicate |
Help the users to download the WhatsApp app and encourage them to start using it |
You can get lost in the feed because, especially if there is a lot of information shared in the group |
You can mark those posts with a star that are important |
Our top 10 tips for using WhatsApp for mentoring
- Use your work smart phone if you have one
- Create work or private groups in your address book
- Ensure you have everyone's phone number
- Set up and agree guidelines/aims for the group
- Encourage users to access their WhatsApp during breaks at work or free time
- Educate the users on what how to add files, pictures, photos, links and videos and agree on what kind of files, pictures, photos, links and videos should be posted and what is not allowed to post
- Encourage users to conduct video calls at it is more personal
- Adjust your notifications if you don't want to be alerted to every message
- Scan the QR code onto your PC so that you can use WhatsApp on your computer
- Send private messages when you need to address a certain person individually