Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)

Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)

Throughout the years, humans have used many different means in order to communicate with others. The latest method that has emerged called computer mediated communication, or CMC. This could be carried out through e-mail, chat rooms, instant messages and even text messaging. There are two forms of CMC which are synchronous and asynchronous CMC. Synchronous CMC is real time and instantaneous communication real, for example, chatting and video conferencing. While asynchronous is non-real time communication, for example, e-mail and bulletin board. CMC is not only used for communication, it is now being used in learning language such as English language. Linguists are slowly adopting computer-mediated language as an object of inquiry. According to Lehy (2001:20), synchronous communication focuses more on content and communicative skills than on form. Thus, the usage of CMC in language learning shows that accuracy and error correction are not the main objective in this subject. The internet can help make homework accessibility to students especially more appealing to students.

In the following week, our lesson is still on CMC but focusing on synchronous and asynchronous in communication.

Reflection

It is proved that CMC may help the students to get somewhat called effective way of language learning. A lot of information, for example personal details, is given during the communication process in the meantime. However, it is important to take into consideration the rate of information exchange that is taking place in CMC. Obviously, when more messages are sent, the personal relation will increase as participants grow more comfortable with each other and interesting topics of conversation are brought up. In the same way, at the beginning stages of any relationship the communication will be more formal and less personal. As quoted from Dr Rozina, as a Muslim, one should know that everything that he or she say or do is accountable in the Hereafter. Allah knows everything that one does in this world even in the hidden place for instance, one’s heart. It is stated in surah Saba’ verse 3 that;

“And the infidels said, 'the Hour will not come unto us'. Say you, 'why not by my Lord, it will no doubt, come to you.' He knows the unseen. Not even an atoms weight, anything in the heavens and in the earth is absent from Him, and nor even anything less than that or greater, but it is in a perspicuous Record.”

Thus, one can use the technology to communicate with others in learning a language or even propagate Islam, but, he or she must use the opportunity that Allah has given to him or her wisely with the knowledge that Allah is All Knowing and all doings are accountable in the Hereafter. 

ASYNCHRONOUS AND SYNCHRONOUS

A week later, our lesson is still on Computer Mediated Communication but specifically on Asynchronous and synchronous communication. basically, the following diagram is the summary of the whole lesson:

Synchronous communication is direct communication where the communicators are time synchronized. This means that all parties involved in the communication are present at the same time. This includes, but is not limited to, a telephone conversation (not texting), a company board meeting, a chat room event and instant messaging. Asynchronous communication does not require that all parties involved in the communication to be present at the same time. Some examples are e-mail messages, discussion boards, blogging, and text messaging over cell phones. In distance (specifically online) education asynchronous communication is the major (sometimes the only) method of communication. Usually, we use different discussion boards in each class with each having its own purpose.

REFLECTION

From the above lesson, students know that CMC's emphasis is on communication rather than its data. Some roles of language output are recognized in this study such that it make learners being aware of the gaps in their existing knowledge. Since there are many ways exist in the process of communication, one should be responsible for what they have conveyed. Channels such as facebook, Yahoo Messenger, Watsapp and others can be usable and beneficial if it use in a correct way. 

"Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the Way of your Ord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better"

Surah An.Nahl: 125