The COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools to adopt online instruction. Since
then, gadgets have become a staple in learning. This is where the WhatsApp
application became popular as a flexible and simple learning tool. Therefore, this
study aims to determine students' perceptions on the use of WhatsApp in one of
the junior high schools in Jatilawang, Central Java, Indonesia. The research
method used in this research was descriptive-quantitative, using a random
sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaire and interview.
There were 60 respondents, and five of them were interviewed. The results of
the questionnaire showed a 67.9% positive perception. And the result of the
interview can be seen from the answers WhatsApp can help students learn, do
assignments, send assignments, interact with teachers and friends, and is
recommended for distance learning.The result of a negative perception are:
students find it difficult have good internet access, teacher explanations is
sometimes confusing, and instructions are not clear.