Nice one, thanks @Gurgur!
Computer mediated communication is unique in the sense that it is real requirement in todays world. It is efficient, quick and not constricted by the bounds of time or location. One of the best advantages is its flexibility. You can communicate with anyone, anywhere and anytime.
Synchronous learning would be most effective through live interactive software apps like ZOOM or Microsoft Teams. The features integrated into this application are quite handy and easy to follow. Some features are screen share, whiteboard and the best feature is that it allows for recording of the classes where is can be used as an asynchronous method and resource.
Using both synchronous and asynchronous mode for online course should be suitable for all types of learners. Both Learning modes can be used to cater for different learners.
Very well said. and totally agree with the sentiments shared. We need to be on par and speed with the global world in order to be counted and accepted.
A change that is in-evitable.
I noticed that many of you (@ekoroidimuri @Tovoka @deebui @Esther @Vishalni-18 @aceaaronv @swastimsp1 @MOHAMMEDIMROZKHAN @amanda.hill ) have emphasized the importance of seeking feedback from students - great!
May I suggest looking up the feedforward process in learning and teaching? I look forward to your findings and comments.
From what i understand from the term feedforward, it refers to a set of perspectives and expectations which a course convener displays to students at the beginning so the students can build and improve on. It is more of looking into the future unlike a feedback (that contains positive and negative comments) that is given after a student has already replied or submitted to something, a feedforward gives future oriented options for students to be aware of and to improve on.
@DeepakPrasad thank you for the direction. Feedforward makes sense. I had not heard of the term previously but recognize some strategies that I have tried with my fellow faculty as well as senior postgraduate students. Below is the link I used if anyone wants to have a read/listen…Episode 87: Moving from Feedback to Feedforward | Cult of Pedagogy
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What in your view makes computer-mediated communications unique from a teaching perspective, or is it just old wine in new bottles?
Computer-mediated communications is becoming an in thing in all classrooms. It has greatly impact the way teachers teach and students learn. For teacher, CMC, has make teaching more easier. Before, teachers write lesson notes, draw diagram when preparing for a class, now planning and preparation has been made easier thanks to computer. But, we know that there there is more to the use of computer then what we are using at the moment and it will need more study. -
How would you implement the learning activities in both synchronous and asynchronous environments? Newly introduced syllabus will need more synchronous learning. Student will need the guidance of the teacher. While for revision, remedial work, we can use asynchronous learning environment.
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What strategies will you use to maintain your teaching presence throughout the course?
More Synchronous learning environment will ensure my teaching presence.
I agree with the use of synchronous learning at the beginning of the week, as students are going to learn new things which will need the teacher guidance. During the week, the idea of using Asynchronous learning will surely work as student will have some idea of what the content is about. Another synchronous learning at the end of the week will surely help those who in doubt. Your design will surely enhance students’ understanding on the week’s coverage.
Yes, this computer mediated communication will surely help those in remote maritime islands provided there is good connectivity. Educators in such setting need to be encouraged to learn and practice this mode of learning.
Hi Shivneet…
Definitely agree with you…
I’m with you…
Teaching and learning should include both synch and asynchronous
Thanks alot Amanda.hill
Very helpful indeed
Feedforward is a term used in teaching and learning to give learners prior to any activities/ lesson delivery. It is purpose-driven. It includes the facilitator’s expectations from the learners before an instruction is communicated. A feedforward gives room for anticipated expectation by the facilitator from the learners.When learners deliver appropriately and learning has been achieved then, a feed back is provided after.
- Computer –mediated communication refers to those communications that occur via computer. For instance, online forums, emails, chat forums, messaging and so on. It is easier to use, flexible, and saves time.
- CMC are in 2 forms: synchronous and asynchronous.
Synchronous refers to communication that occurs in real time. All those are involved, participate and communicate at the same time whereas Asynchronous occurs when the 2nd party doesn’t reply at the same time eg, emails and messages. Online leaners can be engaged in video conferencing and zoom but activities can be put via forums that can be attempt later. If any learner is not able to avail themselves for interactive class, the facilitators can opt for features like recording that can be access later by learners. - We as facilitators have to opt for both: asynchronous and synchronous as both are effective. Online learning is associated with various issues such as network, availability of gadgets in workable conditions, and financial situations. Keeping these things in mind, we have to use both.
Hi everyone
…its great to be back with OER through CS4ODFL…the rain, cyclone, flood and no power delayed me to join
…DS4OERS was challenging and exciting
…learnt a lot. 
- Computer mediated communication has become a norm during this COVID19 pandemic since we in high school used this to conduct our online class during the lockdown. It has been challenging and exciting since we have learnt a lot through MyTeachersFiji, OER (DS4OERS) and FNU conducted professional development on use of technology to teach during the lockdown period. This method of teaching is meant for 21st century kids and we as teachers who have been trained in face to face classes have to learn to reach out to the best of ability to our learners.
- Synchronous and Asynchronous …new terms for me …synchronous means conducting classes virtually using Zoom or Google Meet which we did during lockdown period. It was good since students interacted well and we were able to reach out to most students. However students who did not have tech device and internet missed out…I was also able to evaluate students through Google Forms and Kahoot after each of my classes which I sent via messenger and viber. Asynchronous method used was via Moodle where I uploaded notes and evaluation questions on a weekly basis…again students without the device and internet were not able to access. I will continue to use this in my online classes.
Also the device and internet is costly for students so is challenging to implement - Regularly upgrading myself on any new and free software’s to use for conducting my classes. The government did give free data to students during the lockdown. Hoping it will continue to do so. Internet in Fiji for educational purpose should be cheap or even free and students can be given devices like note pad and tablet for use especially for the Year 12 and 13 and University students.
Useful video, thanks for sharing!
-The main design differences are that the content is primarily text based rather than oral (although increasingly video and audio are now integrated into LMSs), the online discussion is mainly asynchronous rather than synchronous, and the course content is available at any time from anywhere with an Internet connection.It facilitates interaction between the teacher and students, and also between students themselves. It also fosters the negotiation of meaning. The students feel comfortable when CMC is used. With the help of CMC, language learners can interact with native speakers of the target language easily at anytime and anywhere.
In my opinion, computer-mediated communication is not necessarily unique from a teaching perspective as the initials of learning and teaching remain primary however, the mode of communication alters from rather traditional face-to-face basis shifts to online mode computer-based communication making learning more advance and inclusive for those that are space and time constraint can become part of the learning process and develop knowledge from the comfort of home or be anywhere else suitable for students. There are new methods introduced and applied in computer-mediated communication which are not used in a physical classroom teaching (eg, recording of sessions, having students work according to of their time preference and etc). Overall, in my opinion, this (CMC) stands somewhere in-between unique and old.
Inclusively implementing the learning environment in both synchronous and asynchronous environments would be having concept explanation made available in a recorded version on moodle (asynchronous) for students to view and understand in their own time (also this allows students to control the audio/video by pausing and rewinding for better understanding) and later follow up by scheduling a live chat (synchronous) via zoom which could be embedded into moodle shell that allows students to join and discuss or clarify doubts with the teacher regarding the concept that was introduced earlier.
-Defining clear instructions for students to understand and work as per expectation.
-Selecting and sequencing manageable sections of content
-Facilitating discourse with engaging questions and challenges to test understanding, as well as by modelling appropriate contributions to the discussion
-Assessing student work and providing constructive feedback in a timely manner.
Computer-mediated communications allows users to collaborative effectively. The use of computers technologies in the teaching and learning process makes the lessons much more interesting and easy for students to understand. Now a days communication has become more flexible with cell phones and computer, students corresponding on emails, zooms and Moodle which make them easy to access. my goal is to make learning fun and interesting.
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using computer as a form of communicating ideas is unique in a sense that you as a facilitator can put in some images, videos, music and so on to keep the class interesting and lively, instead of writing and discussing at the same time.
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using both synchronous and asynchronous by having classes and discussion online and at the same time giving students assignments, worksheets or essays for them to do it and submit in drop-boxes on allocated place and time.
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taking students attendance while having class online and using discussion forum
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