Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC)

Abstract

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) refers to communication between humans via digital tools. With a functioning digital tool, CMC can be available at any time and any place through instant messaging, emails, discussion forums, social media platforms etc. This chapter highlights the role of communication media in language classes with a focus on CMC and face-to-face (F2F) communication. For a better understanding of these media, their similarities and differences are compared. The relevant theories and models related to the effective usage of communication media are also highlighted. Some of the important theories and models include social presence theory, lack of social context cues hypothesis, media richness theory, cues-filtered-out theories, common ground theory, media synchronicity theory, social information processing theory, the hyperpersonal model of CMC, efficiency framework and the ICT succession model. Lastly, the implications from CMC theories and the potential of CMC in a language class are discussed.