Computer-mediated communication

Definition

Computer-mediated communication CMC) is any form of communication between two or more individual people who interact and/or influence each other via separate computers through the Internet or a network connection - using social software. CMC does not include the methods by which two computers communicate, but rather how people communicate via computers. (Definition from the Wikipedia:Computer-mediated communication, feb 2006).

CMC in education

Digitized communication and networking in education started in the mid 80's and became popular by the mid-90's, in particular through the World-Wide Web (WWW), eMail and Forums. There is a difference between two major forms of online learning. The earlier type, based on either Computer Based Training (CBT) or Computer Based Learning (CBL), focused on the interaction between the student and computer drills plus tutorials on one hand or micro-worlds and simulations on the other. Both can be delivered today over the WWW. Today, the prevailing paradigm in the regular school system is Computer Mediated Communication (CMC), where the primary form of interaction is between students and instructors, mediated by the computer. CBT/CBL usually means individualized (self-study) learning, while CMC involves teacher/tutor facilitation and requires scenarization of flexible learning activities. In addition, modern ICT provides education with tools for sustaining learning communities and associated knowledge management tasks. It also provides tools for student and curriculum management.

CMC plays of course an important role in in full-time distance teaching. While most quality offers still rely on paper, videos and occasional CBT/CBL materials, there is an increased use of e-tutoring through forums, chat rooms, video-conferencing etc. Courses addressed to smaller groups frequently use "blended" or hybrid designs that mix presence courses (usually in the beginning and at the end of a module) with distance activities and use various pedagogical styles (e.g. drill & practise, exercises, projects etc.).

CMC and educational paradigm shifts

Here is a longer quote from (Berge & Collins, 1995) that demonstrates the often cited shift from "teaching" to "learning".

For many years, educators have been exploring ways to combine theories of differing learning styles and student- constructed knowledge with the theory of practice-centered learning. Instead of being passive recipients of knowledge, we now consider students capable of constructing their own knowledge with guidance from the teacher. We can offer part of this tutorial guidance by setting up an environment that will provide students with the resources necessary for independent exploration. In using emerging computer-based technology as a resource, students are encouraged to explore their own interests and to become active educational workers, with opportunities to solve some authentic problems.

The type of change enabled by computer-mediated communication (CMC) does not just involve adding new technology to old ways of organizing teaching and learning (Moore, 1993). Although the perennial problem is still one of instructional content and design, we must not pave over old cow paths.

Links

• Computer mediated communication] (this is one of the world's oldest websites by CMC pioneer John December]

• of Computer-Mediated Communication. This is an open access journal.

References

• Moore, M. G. (1993). Is teaching like flying? A total systems view of distance education. American Journal of Distance Education, 7(1), 1-10.

• Zane Berge, Mauri Collins, Computer-Mediated Communication and the Online Classroom in Distance Learning, Computer-Mediated Communication Magazine / Volume 2, Number 4 / April 1, 1995 / Page 6

[1].

• • This is an interesting essay that shows how new Internet technology was linked to education.