REFLECTION ON COMPUTER MEDIATED COMMUNICATION
Technology continues to
develop day by day. Theories are being developed and researches are being
conducted to examine the pros and cons of technology in language learning. It
seems that there are different modes that are useful in language
learning and teaching. Thus, it appears that Computer Mediated Communication has become one of
them. We believe that Computer Mediated Communication can encourage and motivate students
to engage in the language learning process and boost their accomplishment
especially in language learning. Students can practice the language that they
learn by interacting with other people through internet. Furthermore, this is a
very crucial step for them to grasp the best way to express themselves because
some people might more comfortable in using computers to communicate rather
than face to face conversation. Although communicating face to face is a more
effective type of communication, to some extent, it can be restricted,
especially if it involves long distance communication between people around the
world. A lot of things can be done through CMC, for example it helps us to keep
in touch with our friends while connecting us with the outside world.
If Computer Mediated
Communication such
as blogs, emails, chat rooms, Skypes, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), bulletin
boards, World Wide Web and other forms of social network sites are used
appropriately, such as to communicate with the native speakers, we feel that
students can learn more effectively the language they are learning. Besides, it
can expose the students to the different cultures and varieties of language.
Nowadays, people can not only focusing on learning merely a language. In order
to create an effective communication, we cannot simply depend on the language
without considering the culture of its native speakers. Besides, understanding
other cultures will also expose us to other people’s concept of worldviews
which is related to the study of discourse analysis. This is due to the fact
that language somehow will affect our worldview and vice versa.
From an Islamic
perspective, computer is a useful and effective tool to spread words of Islam
for its speed and accuracy in delivering messages. Although it lacks some of
the factors of face to face conversation, emoticons, cryptic language, smiley
and etc. have filled the gaps. In short, computer has more benefits than
drawbacks to offer if are used correctly.
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