MODULE 2
Because of the history of technology development
Introduction to computer-mediated communication
Mentor, peer, and near-peer relationships have the potential to
provide students with disabilities with psychosocial, academic,
and career support, thereby lessening or eliminating some of the
unique challenges they face. However, these types of
relationships can be limited by physical distance, time, and
schedule constraints and, in some cases, disability-related
communication barriers (e.g., speech impairments, deafness).
For these relationships to be successful, it is often necessary to
match young people and mentors who are in close geographic
locations. Even if such relationships can be established,
communication, transportation, and scheduling problems must
be resolved. In short, arranging traditional in-person mentoring
and peer support for this population is problematic.
Computer-mediated communication (CMC), wherein people use
computers and networks to communicate with one another,
makes communication across great distances and different time
zones convenient, eliminating the time and geographic
constraints of in-person communication.
CMC facilitates the development of communities for people
with common interests, regardless of their physical locations.
Using electronic mail, text messaging, chat rooms, web-based
forums, and other technology to sustain meaningful
relationships between people who are geographically
disconnected allows us to reconsider the concept
of community as a physical location. The lack of social cues and
social distinctions like gender, age, disability, race, and physical
appearance in CMC can make even shy participants willing to
share their views.
The development of computers and assistive technology makes
electronic communication possible for all individuals, regardless
of disability. For example, a person who is blind or has a
disability that makes reading difficult can use text-to-speech
software to read aloud text presented on a computer screen. An
individual with limited use of his hands can use a trackball, a
headstick, speech input, or an alternative keyboard to control the
computer; and a person with a speech or hearing impairment
may be able to participate more fully in communications when
they are conducted electronically.
Types of Computer-Mediated Communication
Based on timing, computer-mediated communication can be
divided into two types: synchronous and
asynchronous. Synchronous computer-mediated
communication occurs in real-time. All parties communicate
simultaneously, but they are not necessarily in the same
location. On the other hand, in asynchronous computer-
mediated communication, all parties do not communicate
simultaneously. To put it another way, the sender does not
immediately receive a response from the receiver. Instant
messages, computer, audio, and video conferencing are
synchronous computer-mediated communication examples,
while text messages, email, discussion forums, and mailing lists
are asynchronous computer-mediated communication examples.
Computer-mediated communication can also be classified
according to the medium or type of message. The medium can
be either text, audio, or video. Text-based computer-mediated
communication is a type of CMC that is based on written
communication. This can be synchronous, like texting or
chatting, or asynchronous, like blogs and email. Messages are
exchanged in text form, but in real-time, with synchronous text
or chat.
and the ease of text use, most CMC has been done via
text, though this is changing rapidly as free audio and
video communication tools such as FaceTime, Zoom,
Skype, and others expand.
The number and pattern of participants can also be used to
categorize computer-mediated communication. It can be
one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many. In addition,
the physical properties of the device, such as the
difference between email on a computer and text
messaging on a cell phone, may also play a role.
Importance of CMC
The evolution of communication has made extensive use
of the computer as a medium, resulting in a huge change
in the way common people communicate. This type of
rapid communication spread rapidly throughout the world,
enabling people to communicate with people from all over
the world. It is a potent tool that has altered the way
people live their daily lives, work, and learn.
Computer-mediated communication has become critical in
today's world, even more so during a pandemic, when
everyone relies heavily on CMC to communicate. Orders
to remain at home and physical distancing guidelines have
resulted in limited face-to-face interactions. The role of
CMC has become more critical than ever, as people
largely rely on CMC to replace face-to-face interactions.
The following are a few examples of how computer-
mediated communication became absolutely essential
during the pandemic.
Preserving human connections
Individuals frequently feel loneliness and social isolation
as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, people
increasingly rely on CMC as a means of connecting and
interacting with others in place of face-to-face
interactions.
Contributing to educational activities
After Covid-19 became a global pandemic, learning
activities shifted. Among the changes occurring in the
transition from face-to-face education to distance
education via an online process facilitated by CMC.
Enabling organizations to carry out their daily operations
Communication is the lifeblood of any business, and
CMC has allowed businesses to run their businesses as
usual during the pandemic with very little financial impact
on their businesses.
The Advantages and disadvantages
CMC disregards time and place dependence. Compared to
face-to-face communication, CMC is not restricted in
terms of time and place. This means that communication
can happen anytime, anywhere. Two communicating
people do not need to be available at the same time in
order to communicate. They do not need to be at the same
place either. A very good example would be
communication between lecturers and students. During
semester breaks, students would be miles away from their
lecturers. However, when the need arise, students could
easily approach their lecturers via emails or more simply,
just through Facebook. For that same reason, many
lecturers are also taking it to Facebook to communicate
with their students. For example, lecturers use Facebook to
spread information or instructions.
CMC ensures superiority in reach. Compared to face-to-face
communication, CMC enables users to reach out to a vast
number of receivers simultaneously. This is particularly useful
when it comes to informing a large group of people about the
same thing. For example, if a lecturer wants to inform about a
sudden cancellation of class, it makes more sense to use
Facebook for this purpose instead of the more unreliable word
of mouth. The lecturer’s first-hand message can reach a large
amount of student at the same time, compared to irregularities
that might happen when a message gets passed around by
students.
CMC facilitates the archive of information. Previous
conversations can be kept for future reference. A good example
that I personally experience would be when doing group
assignments. When passing out instructions, or receiving
instructions from someone else, it is always better to use a
written medium so that we could always refer back to the
instruction when needed to (especially when we forget). It also
saves the communicator some time and effort from having to
say the same thing over and over again.
CMC breaks down the barriers of communication. It helps one
to overcome the relationship initiation barriers that are caused
by reasons such as shyness, appearance or physical limitations.
This is particularly worst the higher the lecturers’ positions, or
the more unapproachable they deem the lecturers to be.
Therefore, for many students, emailing or sending a Facebook
message to the lecturers are a much appreciated alternative. On
the other hand, studies worldwide have noted that CMC
provided a platform so that even students with hearing or speech
impairment can engage in text-based communication online
without a mediator.
CMC limits the richness of communication. Communication is
not all about text and words. CMC is long noted to be lacking in
terms of socio-emotional and non-verbal cues.
Misunderstandings might happen due to wrong interpretations
of the tone and meaning of words. For instance, one person
might say something as a joke, but another person on the other
side might deduce it as a fact. Misunderstandings and
unintended unfriendliness might also arise particularly when
dealing with late or short replies in asynchronous
communication.
The issue of confidentiality and trust. When we communicate
via CMC, we are really putting ourselves out there. Phone and
video calls can be taped, messages can be screen shot or copy
pasted. In short, we have no idea what the other party can and
will do with information we just shared with them. We cannot
fully trust that the other party is telling the truth, because we
cannot see what is really going on the other side.
There is also limitations in technology. Computers might get
spoilt, Internet servers might be down, smartphones might be
out of battery, the possibilities are endless. There are a lot of
things that could happen to cause a setback in CMC.
How to Use It Successfully?
The increased use of virtual recruiting means a major shift away
from the face-to-face interactions that students are accustomed
to having. In place of face-to-face communications, students
may find themselves interacting with employers primarily
through “computer-mediated communication.”
Body language is just as important in CMC as it is in face-
to-face interactions. Eye contact is one of the most
effective ways to make a good impression another person
when speaking to them. However, you may be wondering
where to look when on a videoconferencing call since
there is no true way to make eye contact. The best
place to look is at the video feed of the person on
the other end of the conversation. Additionally, try
to keep your gaze from wandering elsewhere while
you are on a video call. Sit in a quiet area with little
distractions around you so you can keep your focus
on your CMC interaction.
Maintaining good posture during a
videoconferencing call is as important as ever
(possibly even more important). This is because
your upper body is usually the only part of you
visible when on a video call. When preparing for
a video call, test your video feed beforehand and
position your camera to familiarize yourself with
how you will appear to the other person. When on
the call, sit up tall to help demonstrate your
confidence and interest in what the other person is
saying. Additionally, sitting up straight will
naturally project your voice which will make for a
better CMC experience.
You should not be afraid of using your hands
while on a video call. Talking with your hands
can help you convey your emotions and might
help you focus your thoughts better than if you
keep your hands still. When you are not using
your hands, simply rest them in your lap or on the
desk/table in front of you. Most importantly, use
care to avoid hand/body motions that could
convey that you are closed off, tired, or bored.
Avoid crossing your arms, blocking your face, or
moving items around off-screen.
Facial expressions go a long way in
videoconferencing calls. You want to appear
positive, friendly, and engaged. To achieve this,
try to maintain a small smile with gently raised
eyebrows. There is no need to force a permanent
smile but do smile showing teeth and laugh at
genuine moments of humor or pleasure to show
the other person that you are enjoying the
conversation. To avoid appearing bored, tired, or
disinterested, try to suppress a frown, blank stare,
or yawn.
Intentionally practice active listening when
videoconferencing. Our brains have the power to
process up to 400 words per minute whereas the
average person can only speak 125-250 words per
minute. This gap between what can be processed
and what is being said tends to make it very easy
for our minds to wander during videoconference
meetings with professionals. If you tend to get
distracted during online lectures,
videoconferences, or even when watching TV, be
mindful of this processing gap in order to keep
yourself focused and build the best relationships
possible.