Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)

 Definition

CMC encompasses various forms of human communication through networked computers, which can be synchronous or asynchronous and involve one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many exchanges of text, audio, document and/or video messages.

Examples are :

The benefits of Computer Mediated Communication

1. Immediate educational benefit

Online group projects may improve students’ memories as Cohn (1999) highlights that group work benefits students as they are afforded an educational strategy that helps them to learn about a particular topic. 

      2.  Immediate social benefits

Dyrud (2001) argues that “incorporating group work in classes allows students, with the opportunity to practice their interpersonal skills in a relatively benign and supportive environment”. 

      3.  Critical thinking

Virtual group work activities generates brainstorming and various view points, which can help problem-solving skills that would not arise in individual work (Walker 1996). This skill will help in future as in at the workplace. 

      4. Career benefit

Group work activities will help to prepare students for the workplace where employees must work with others in virtually every aspect of their job. Welch (2000) also point out that students “learn about working as a team, resolving conflict, developing a division of labor, and improving their communication ability”

The disadvantages of CMC

          1) Lack in 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.

           2) The issue of confidentiality and trust.

 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. 

            3) Limitation in technology

Computers might get spoilt, Internet servers might be down, smartphones might be out of battery, the possibilities are endless. For example, a few semesters ago, UNIMAS’s own Morpheus was down for an entire week soon after the semester reopened, and it caused difficulties to students and lecturers. Nothing could be shared via that portal.