TOPIC 5: CMC

Hello again!

In the following entry I will discuss what on what I have learned in class today. I was introduced to CMC and how would we use it.

First of all, what is CMC?

CMC (Computer Mediated Communication) is a term that refers to human communication by the use of computers. Briefly, a distinction can be made between synchronous CMC, where the interaction takes place in real time and asynchronous CMC where participants are not necessarily online simultaneously.

Examples of synchronous and asynchronous communication tools

New ways of learning and teaching are enabled by CMC. Asynchronous CMC is discourse as an effective medium for exchanges between distant groups of students in collaborative learning courses that comes in the form of email lists and discussion forums. While synchronous text-based CMC is more likely 'online chat' but with also used for similar purposes. 

The nature of CMC means that it is easy for individuals to engage in communication with others regardless of location and time. In addition, CMC allow a person to engage in communication with minimal stress. Therefore, CMC can be very useful for allowing individuals who might be intimidated to participate in communication when confronting many people. Making an individual comfortable through CMC also plays a role in self-disclosure, which allows an individual to open up more easily and be more expressive. 

The combined capabilities of multimedia and the access that have now provide us with powerful new tools that we can use to construct designs that would engage students in interactions within these technological environments in favor of learning. The students can also fully utilized the unique processing capabilities of the computer by using online module or search for more information, then discuss with a large group of members. In addition, the conversations can be archived for future reference and we can re-visit the full context of a topic.

Till next time!