Third posting for wordpress (Answer an question)……..

Question: Read from Online Teaching and Learning in ELT and Readings in Online Language Learning and Teaching on computer mediated communication (CMC), quote two chapters in your discussion on CMC for posting no.3. You may also refer to other references from internet and provide the links if you refer to them in your discussion.

Hi eveyone….. It’s me again updating my wordpress. This week, I have to answer an question regarding CMC…… So, what is actually CMC??? CMC stand for what??? Is CMC a brand for a handbag??? Actually, CMC is Computer Mediated Communication. What is Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) about? Hmmm…….Let me search the definition through internet…….

CMC is…… Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) is defined as any communicative transaction that occurs through the use of two or more networked computers.^[1] While the term has traditionally referred to those communications that occur via computer-mediated formats (e.g., instant messages, e-mails, chat rooms), it has also been applied to other forms of text-based interaction such as text messaging.                                                Reference/Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-mediated_communication

In the book Online Teaching and Learning in ELT (page 163), Levy (1997: 79) defines CMC as “concerned with communication between two or more participants via a computer covering technological platforms such as e-mail, bulletin board, discussion list and computer conferencing, both text and video based”.

So, in my point of view, I think that CMC is all about communication through networks computers or internet. We communicate with our family members or friends by using the internet or computer technologies. Examples of CMC are MSN, Skype, Facebook and etc.

Now, I am going to discuss about the advantages of using CMC. Refer to the book Online Teaching and Learning in ELT (page 164), advantages of using CMC are:

1. provides a more equitable platform and a less threatening forum for second language discussion (Warschauer, 1996);

2. results in increased participation among students (Kem, 1995; Kelm, 1992; Beauvois, 1992);

3. result in more decentralized role of the dominant teacher (Kem, 1995; Warschauer, 1997);

4. provides possibilities for new interpersonal contacts and communicative engagements (Beauvois & Eledge, 1996; Swaffar, 1998);

5. acts as a text-based medium that increase learners’ attention to linguistic form (Warschauer, 1997; Blake, 2000; Pellettieri, 2000; St. John & Cash, 1995);

6. provides personalized identification of target language errors (Kelm, 1992);

7. produces improved quality language output (Kem, 1995; Warschauer, 1996; Chun, 1994);

8. provides opportunities for reflection and close attention to and correction of contributions made (Kroonenberg, 1994/1995; Sotillo, 2000); and

9. offers an effective tool for learner autonomy and empowerment (Warschauer et al, 1996; Shetzer & Warschauer, 2000).

That’s all. All the information above are taken from our textbook Online Teaching and Laerning in ELT. Thanks for viewing my post. Looking forward for the next posting……..

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