Computer-Mediated Communicaiton

Zeynep BAŞER

Computer-Mediated Communication: A Comparative Review of Six Programs.

Today’s language learners are luckier. Because of the development of computer based technology and the internet, some changes also in language learning have occurred. They can reach several native speakers of the target language by using computer-mediated communication programs. It is especially useful for the people who do not have an English spoken environment outside the classroom. It will help them to process output. Several projects have been organized so that native speakers and second language learners come together. A project including synchronous audio and video is one of them. They can find three different environments by using synchronous audio and video communication. They are instant messaging, conferences and chat rooms. Moreover, the users can find text chat facility, audio conversation capability and even video communication in some programs. The programs that are suitable for those explanations are AOL instant messenger, Yahoo Messenger, MSN messenger and Windows Messenger, Paltalk and iVisit. AOL instant messenger was the first instant messaging program. Although it is so old, it has lots of capabilities such as text chat, chat communities, variable sound quality. Yahoo Messenger can be used for conference as opposing to the some programs. As for MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger, one can see Windows Messenger as an advanced version of MSN because of its additional features. Windows Messenger also have different and useful features for its users, such as remote assistance, application sharing and whiteboard. Paltalk has both free and paid subscriber modes. It also provides help rooms for the users so that they can find solutions their problems related to Paltalk. Lastly, iVisit has user-created rooms; it does not rely on a central server.

Another issue is related to the forums or discussion part. Because people who write on the discussion forums or online groups can be from all over the world, the users should have cultural awareness. The perspectives of the people related to “what is acceptable and what is not” can change according their cultural backgrounds, ideas. Teachers, for example, can help the students about this issue. In order to prevent people to be offended, ‘moderation’ which can destroy unpleasant things is also something required.