In many distance education contexts, students can be separated from their teachers and peer groups for long periods of time, and they can experience feelings of isolation. Although students cannot meet face to face, the use of computer based communication, can if used effectively, offset some of the more negative aspects of studying alone.

 

Computer mediation of communications (CMC) can be achieved by the use of networked computers. CMC is now being used by a growing number of universities worldwide as a supplement to paper-based materials, audio and video resources and the telephone, because it can incorporate the attributes of each of these into one medium.

Collaborative Learning

CMC can be used to promote collaborative learning, particularly for students who may be separated by distance of a geographical and/or time nature. Collaborative learning is a term referring to the acquisition of skills, knowledge and attitudes arising as a direct result of people working together to explore, discuss and create meaning. Increasingly teachers are seeing the benefits of collaborating through CMC, as it is an ideal medium for both immediate dialogue development (synchronous or real time communication) and time-shifted or asynchronous dialogue which allows time for reflection. The following on-line article will help the reader to come to grips with the issues involved in designing collaborative learning environments using networked computers:

 

Designing Collaborative WWW Learning Environments

Because computer mediated communication heavily relies on text, there is a problem of reduction in social cueing. For example, talking to a fellow student without being able to hear the tone of their voice or the ever present inflections as a person conveys meaning, can be problematic. People can misconstrue intentions and may even get offended if they can't detect true meaning! The study of presence in cyberspace is an important area of work and the contribution of John Suler to our understanding is highly recommended.

 

Although there is often an absence of para-linguistic content normally present in face to face and even telephone conversations, CMC can still provide an immensely rich communication platform for learners. Groups can for instance, look back over an entire history of communication between members. Cumulative records of conversations and collaborations (electronic archives) on the computer can provide excellent material for reflection, in depth analysis and evaluation. These records would not exist in such a complete format through other communication media.

 

Many online communities develop their own rules and guidelines (including systems of sanctions) to deal with deviant behaviour and to protect users against the possible negative effects of text based communication. Reduction of social cues can cause misunderstandings that can result in users 'flaming' each other. This kind of 'net etiquette, or netiquette varies, but serves to regulate online communication within an acceptable framework of discourse.

The use of emoticons (smileys and other non-verbal cues) are a prevalent use of the keyboard to convey emotion and meaning in text only communication environments. A more in depth examination of computer mediated communication and the reduction of social cues is found within the article entitled: Computer Mediated Communications by Rhona Magee and Steve Wheeler (1997).

The advent of CMC presents a number of challenges to teachers. Development and research is still needed to ascertain the full benefits of CMC, and how it can be optimised in a varied number of learning contexts. CMC promotes group interactions and is an excellent medium to encourage reflective learning, but the task of incorporating CMC into every day education remains a difficult proposition for many.

 

The On-line Journal of Computer Mediated Communication is a useful resource and lively forum for discussion about all aspects of CMC in education and training.

CMC and the On-line Classroom in Higher Education Zane Berge and Mauri Collins (1995)
E-Moderating Resource Gilly Salmon (2000)
Hundreds of on-line articles about CMC