Introduction

CMC is one of the newest technologies to be adopted for distance teaching. Using this medium, students and an instructor who might otherwise meet only at class time use their personal computers, communications software, and modems to connect to a central host computer that runs the CMC software. They have twenty-four hour access to the host computer, and can dial in (log on) to receive messages or leave messages at any time.

Characteristics and Implications of CMC

Unlike a face-to-face class, the CMC classroom is open to you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Although people may sometimes interact with one another at the same time (synchronous communication), people will be logging on at whatever time they choose (asynchronous communication). Asynchronous, computer-mediated communication has several advantages, described below.

1. You can communicate with your peers, without leaving home, or playing telephone tag. With CMC, you can also contact your instructor at any time.

2. Everyone has an equal opportunity to speak up in class, because there is no competition to "get a word in edgewise."

3. Students who are vocal in face-to-face instruction are also likely to be regular participants in a CMC class, but people who seldom speak up in a classroom can be regular contributors through CMC.

4. Often people find that CMC discussions are better than those in face-to-face classes, because everyone has the opportunity to reflect before writing, and to consult outside reference materials.

Transmission time for CMC messages is virtually instantaneous. However, it is important to remember that although messages are transmitted quickly, the receiver may not answer immediately. Delays of a few hours to a day or more are not uncommon, as people will be logging on to check their messages at all hours of the day and night, and on different days.

Typically, most if not all of the communication in a course enhanced by CMC is in written form (an exception might be occasional telephone contact where necessary). It is unlikely that you will meet the instructor or your classmates, unless a face-to-face training session is required at the beginning of the class. As a result, you won't have any visual /icons as you correspond with others. Visual information is important in face-to-face communication. However, some visual perceptions, such as a person's race, sex, age, and so on, may influence what you say to him or her. With CMC, people often find it is easier to focus on the content of the message, rather than its author.

When we talk with people face-to-face, we rely on cues such as facial expression, gestures, and body language to find out what effect our words are having on the other person. Even on the telephone, we still have pauses and tone of voice to help us. With CMC, there are none of these cues, and you may occasionally find it difficult to assess the effects of your words, or even to express yourself. There are various techniques you may use with CMC to compensate for lack of familiar cues (see the following section for more information); however, even with these techniques, you may find it difficult either to express humour and emotion, or to interpret those of others. Precision in expression, compassion, good humour, and patience, all are critical to minimizing misunderstandings.

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Successful CMC

Information Management

1. Brevity is a virtue! Wherever possible, try to keep your messages to approximately eight lines. It is rarely necessary for a message to exceed one screen in length. If you must write a longer message, consider either breaking it into several parts, titled appropriately, or writing a one or two sentence abstract at the beginning, to help others decide if they want to read the entire message.

2. Each message should be organized around one basic point, rather than being a list of random observations and questions. A single focus makes it easier for others to respond.

3. Type each question on a separate line.

4. Message topics should always be described in the subject line.

5. Avoid a complex writing style with excessive use of clauses.

6. Avoid a rambling writing style; get to the point quickly if you want people to read your message.

7. Avoid solid screenfuls of text: long paragraphs of text are quite imposing. Break up the screen by using tab indents, a line or two between paragraphs, and asterisks (*), letters, or numbers to set off items in a list.

Emotional Expression

The lack of contextual cues, such as eye contact, tone of voice, and body language, often makes it difficult for participants to interpret the emotional "colouring" of electronic text. Various "emoticons" for emotional expression have been established; for example

:-( expresses sadness or mild displeasure.

;-) expresses sarcasm (use this one sparingly!).

:-O expresses surprise or shock.

:-) expresses pleasure, happiness, or laughter.

Other conventions use words; for example, *HUGS*, *smile*, *grin*.

Note: CAPITAL LETTERS may be used for EMPHASIS, but avoid typing in all capitals as it may "sound" AS THOUGH YOU ARE SHOUTING!

Humour is often a valuable component of the emotional "colouring" of a conference, as long as it is not at anyone's expense.

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NETiquette

Feel free to use first names in your conference and e-mail messages; they make the message more personal.

Pat each other on the back; thank others for their acknowledgements and suggestions.

Sometimes, consider personalizing your message by alluding briefly to where you are writing from, or what is going on around you (the rumble of the vacuum cleaner, the sound of the late show on TV, etc.).

In general, do not worry about perfect grammar and typing when you use conferencing and e-mail. What is important is that you relax and enjoy communicating with CMC, and that readers understand what you are saying with little effort. However, it is important to remember that all formal assignments and papers should meet the same high standards as always.

Always respond promptly to any messages you receive. Not only is prompt response courteous, it is also the only way for the sender to know you received the message. If you do not have time to write a full reply, consider sending a brief note, such as "Thanks for your message; I'll get to it as soon as I can."

Notify others if you will be away from the computer for more than a few days because of work, travel, vacation, etc. This courtesy is particularly important if you are working on a group assignment.

Be gentle with criticism. Courtesy and forebearance are even more important in on-line communication than in face-to-face discussion, because your audience cannot see your face. Do not criticize your classmates; if you must make a criticism, focus on the logic, rationale, data, etc. of the message you are commenting on.

If you are responding to a controversial or sensitive topic, consider sending your message only after you have had some time to read, reconsider and perhaps rewrite it.

Thank people for their reflections upon your comments--either publicly, in the class conference, or privately, through e-mail.