Computer Mediated Communication and ESL

CMC or Computer Mediated Communication is any form of communication or interaction between two or more parties via separate devices or computers through network connection. Nowadays people frequently use CMC with everyone at different times and places. It is very easy and convenient compared to those days that people used letters as medium of interaction. Moreover, CMC is described as any communication patterns that mediated through a computer.

Among applications that are currently used by society are Whatsapp Messenger, Facebook, Twitter and Imessage. Do you know that we could adopt CMC in education?

According to Irom Gambhir Singh (2010), through the use of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC), language learners can develop not only language skills but also intercultural communicative competence, lifelong learning skills and digital literacy. It started in the late 1980s with the introduction of Communicative CALL. When Email and Forums are created, the CMC in education became widely spread. In 1990, Internet Chat Rooms such as Forums allowed direct communication. Two or more parties interact with each other with the use of Internet. It is meant for the long distance teaching or learning for instant, group discussion. Therefore, the popularity of e-tutoring through forums and video conferencing increased because it is a better development in education. There are two types of CMC which are Asynchronous and Synchronous CMC.

Asynchronous CMC

It is not a synchronised communication which means the messages are not sent and replied immediately. E-mails,most social media, internet forums, blogs  and message boards are the examples of asynchronous CMC. It is not a direct communication between parties.

Synchronous CMC

It is known as a synchronised communication between participants or parties. Sent or replied messages can be exchanged immediately and it allows direct communication between them. Internet chat rooms, messenger, video or audio conferencing are the best examples of this CMC. Normally, when a meeting is conducted between the CEO of the company and managers, they will use video conferencing to interact with CEO especially when he is outstation.

Long Distance and Collaborative Learning

CMC was implemented and applied for distance learning of teachers and learners to interact without being in the same location. The use of synchronous communication allows them to video conferencing and E-tutoring. E-lectures became well known and provide short courses over the internet. In my opinion, long distance learning is necessary especially to those who work as full time workers because it saves cost and energy.

Secondly, I do agree that computer does support collaborative learning whether with it’s for assignments or projects. Computers do assist users in enhancing peer interactions and group work. The relationship between group members will be better when they work together not only for discussions but collaborative production of worlds and problem solving as well. Applications such as Google Documents, Google Drive, Blogs and Messenger are very helpful in developing collaborative learning among group members.

One of the characteristics of CMC in education is it offers learners easy access and opportunity to interact between them and native speakers. The context and content of communication is authentic rather than simulated. The interaction that occurs between leaners are more realistic and understandable.

Advantages	Disadvantages
No distance barrier	Inhibitions related to the use of technology
Moderates time as a barrier	Difficulties with access to technology
Collaborations are easier	Lack of socio-emotional and nonverbal cues
Social influences and disadvantages can be avoided	Lack of real human contact