WhatsApp

WhatApp is a mobile communication app that has become one of the most popular in the world. You can use it to send text messages, pictures, videos and make calls both video and audio. WhatsApp is free is download, safe (as long as you don't use it to talk to strangers), and easy to use. How does WhatsApp work? WhatsApp uses the internet connection of your device to send messages to your family and friends. If you connect to a Wi-Fi network, WhatsApp will not use up your data plan.
Five features of WhatsApp that makes this a popular form of instant messaging.

#1. Import contacts from your device's address book automatically. WhatsApp will automatically detect which contacts are already using the app and add them to your contact list.

#2. WhatsApp offers lots of options for ways to communicate.  You can send text messages, pictures, record audio messages, and make phone calls. The phone calls also have a video group chat option that allows you to video call up to 4 lines at one time.

#3. Use the WhatsApp group chats feature to send message between up to 100 people at once. This is a great feature to share ideas, updates, and anything else you may need when communicating to a large group.

#4. Use WhatsApp search features to easily find specific messages. If there is a message you are looking for, you can search it by typing keywords to help you locate it.

#5. Save your WhatsApp messaging history by backing up your messages to your device or to your Google Drive. If you ever lose an important message or accidentally delete WhatsApp it'll be saved.

For me personally, I have found WhatsApp to be a great way to stay in contact with family and friends overseas. Internet in many parts of the world isn't always the most stable, and so WhatsApp has been an affordable way to connect with my loved at a minimal cost. Wi-Fi makes this the most convenient way to connect with people. The other feature that has been amazing is the video chats. Up to four lines can connect and you can have some great conversations. For me, we may connect to family on three different continents and four different countries!

I highly recommend using WhatsApp even in the classroom as part of connecting with families. I constantly get group messages from teachers, Girl Scout troops, people(friends, family) looking to promote their business, etc.