Children nowadays live in a digital a era where technologies are part and partial of their everyday living.So to make teaching more effective, yes, we do need computer-mediated communications in order for better learning.We also need to consider those that don’t have access to internet and come up with ideas that will also help them learn.
We can see nowadays how internet connects us to one another no matter where ever you are and we can say that we are able to know what is happening around us and around the world.
1.Computer-mediated communication is simply defined as any human communication that occurs through the use of two or more electronic devices. This is unique because it allows peopleto get engaged in communication easily with others regardless of time,location or other spatial constraints to communication.It allows social inteacrion and allows more work done in a short time with minimal stress. Using electronic medium,students can open up more freely. Using computer and other forms of electronic communication,we can reach out to a number of students simultaneously. It is not just old wine in a new bottle as new electronic devices and applications are introduces every year therefore are more advanced than others but all in all,they are used to deliver a meessage across to students simultaneously.
2.In a synchonous setting,looking at the PLE and the types of media that the children use, the learning activity that are suitable include video conferencng via viber,messenger and zoom lessons.On the other hand,In Asynchronous setting,we could have educational activities, discussions,assignments and assessments,CBA,class art work and assessments that allows children to work in their own pace.
3.To maintain teaching presence throughout the course, I need to be interactive with my children, schedule a online class timetable,have full internet connectivity and use different teaching padagogies to make lessons interesting.
Good Morning @DeepakPrasad #CS4ODFL…
From the time, I started using mobile phone, I dont have a radio at home…I listen to radio while travelling in my vehicle…I do vividly remember listening to radio a lot in primary school…some broadcast sessions. It can be useful as a tool if broadcast is provided by Ministry of Education at scheduled time and day…Now Walesi is used for revision classes for Year 12 and 13 for English, Mathematics and Physics. I would still opt for internet since now online gadgets and internet/data is available on fingertips and Google, Facebook, Instagram gives information instantly… if it is used properly and not misused by students. As a teacher, I have never used radio for teaching purpose. 
@geeta.krishna “From the time, I started using mobile phone, I dont have a radio at home”
Interesting - I guess this would be common or maybe not; I am just wondering what’s the situation with others?
- Computer mediated communication for teaching can never be old wine in new bottles. Technological advancements allow for ease of access to information and resource; “at your fingertips” as they say. Computer mediated communication provides a alternative solution to issues like geographical location, time zones, work schedules, and in a blended mode may cover for unforeseen circumstances like a flat tyre for example. Its use has become of greater importance in fields like medicine during this recent Covid 19 pandemic. The sharing of information and resource globally on such a platform to a certain extent addresses the issue of access to “evidenced based” best practice without exposure in developing nations such as Fiji, and at the same time allows exposure to a greater spectrum of clinical pathophysiology for developed nations. For practical purposes it does away with the need to carry physical resources which can potentially be quite cumbersome. Of significance also is the ability to facilitate synchronous and asynchronous teaching with this platform.
Synchronous learning activities that I have personally implemented include- regular classes, student presentations, virtual clinical skills discussions, online exams and VIVA.
Asynchronous learning activities have included the writing of case reports and critiques, researching side learning issues, weekly quizzes, class discussion forums such as this one and learning portfolios.
Teaching presence is maintained through scheduled class time, marking of submissions, responding to forum messaging, running exams, having staggered course work dependent on submissions and finally interacting with students for general concerns etc.
To my understanding feedforward is a type of learning tool which we can learn from while teaching or dealing with a challenge or task given to you by your superior.
In my work when given a task, I will look at the challenge at both angles, which is actions to be taken and the consequences or how/ what will be the outcome of the actions made on the given task.
When I am sure of a positive outcome, that’s after doing research from the previous similar tasks and discussing with other work colleagues then there’s no doubt on how to tackle the challenge given.
Thanks @Kelenoa for this submission I have in particular taken for granted the need for internet connectivity. Possibly because the students i teach at tertiary level are expected to have this resource and the technical skill to use it. Granted there are exceptions for various reasons, I may have overlooked this because it is not an issue I have face thus far. Cheers!
Thanks @Sangelene you have raised the issue of participation using online media communication and how this may potentially motivate students that are shy to participate and I can see how being present virtually may be less intimidating than being in person for said student. I do however miss the non verbal cues of in person teaching that give the teacher positive reinforcement and have had difficulty gauging feedback with synchronous online teaching involving the whole class. Cheers!
#CS4ODFL Computer-mediated communications makes things more easy as it can be accessed by the learner at their suitable time. Also broader research work can be done. But network availability is something to think about.
Teacher availability and feedback should be rapidly available in order to implement the learning activities in both synchronous and asynchronous environment. I used Zoom sessions during lockdown. It was really challenging as half of my class had either network problem or availability of the gadgets. Even distribution of hardcopies of worksheet was a challenge too.
Question and answers or allowing learners to share their views on certain topic and giving feedback will help in maintaining teaching presence throughout the course.
@geeta.krishna and @DeepakPrasad
My experience with radio is that I only use it hear death news. Otherwise I am very much addicted to my mobile phone for everything; news, entertainment.
But in my teaching career, I have used radio in my lower primary for English and Hindi classes… Radio broadcast lessons
Hi
I agree with you that computer mediated communications will be really difficult in rural settings since most people are not computer literate.
Hi
Really agree with you.
We need to be creative and innovative in our modes of lesson delivery.
Hi @sashikadevi
…yes distribution of hardcopies was a challenge too apart from the no gadget and no internet issues in most schools around Fiji. Parents and students on lockdown requested for worksheet via viber/messenger and email too. 
Am in total agreement @Hikes with your comment about missing out on the non verbal cues when teaching and interacting F2F.
@sashikadevi
Totall agree that distribution of worksheet was also a challenge . 
#CS4ODFL@ Dipshikamudaluar_22
Hi
Really I agree that planning is vital plus relating the concepts with relevant and local examples lead to better understanding.
Computer-mediated communication is vital in the teaching and learning process. In my point of view synchronous is using Zoom, live chat for dynamic active learning strategies. Asynchronous is using videos, PowerPoint presentations, teaching and learning package.
To maintain teaching presence throughout the course is to design adequate constructive instruction to enhance learners participation in the online learning platform.
I remember back when I was in primary school there was actually a time for the students to listen to the radio for educational programs in I- Taukei language and little did I know that I was actually practicing ODFL at that time.
Computer - mediated communication is unique, there are many factors that makes it unique. Having computer mediated communication we are able to interact internationally just at the comfort of our homes and office. From our classrooms we can connect to facilitators as well as learners internationally and learn techniques and cultures that are not present in our locality. Another thing that makes computer mediated communication stand out is it allows time and gives space for the participants to respond. Computer mediated communication has open up opportunity for vast knowledge and communication accessibility.
Learning activities to implement synchronous and asynchronous are:
Forum discussion, lectures, online oral discussions, short videos and audios, online quiz and debate.
Strategies to maintain presence through out the course:
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Giving prompt feedback on discussions and activities
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Taking synchronous lectures
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Short video and audio record lesson by oneself
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Follow up with individual learners
Computer-mediated communication is more flexible in nature, disregards time and space. There may be limitations in technology. Computers might get spoilt, internet servers might be down, and smart phones might be out of battery.
Face-to-face communication requires no cost, fast communication due to immediate feedback, no hassle of technology and more informal.
In synchronous communication, the instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, but from different locations. This can be done through live chats.
In asynchronous communication, the instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content at different times (and from different locations). This can be done through recorded sessions.
Some strategies to maintain teacher presence is by letting students see you as a real person, students are eager to hear and learn from you, create 5 to 10 minute mini-lectures, make connections clear, highlight good work habits for students, engage in dialogue.