Pick one concept from the assigned reading this week, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
The idea of leading a CMC
group meeting is pretty interesting. I think it is important to have a leader
in a CMC meeting because I see how it is harder to conduct and keep the group
on task over the computer or media. There are some common traits between
leading a F2F and CMC group meetings, for instance being encouraging and being
able to organize meetings. But as a CMC leader, as the book states, be aware of
the nonverbal communication in the meeting. This might be hard because we
cannot see the nonverbal cues in the messages through CMC. As leaders we should
take that in account sometimes. Honestly I think that being a leader of a CMC
group is a harder than being a leader in a F2F group. Overall I thought it was
a neat idea since I never really think about the “leader” in a CMC group.
I, too, thought it was interesting that CMC group meetings require a leader. My first thought was that the group in general could keep the group going. However, the point the authors make that “CMC group meetings also require a strong discussion leader who can prepare a formal presentation and then be willing to lead a relaxed, informal group discussion” makes sense when I think about it. Unless a leader emerges in a group to take charge, group members would not stick around for an online meeting because it would be disorganized and they would thing it was a waste of their time. Having a leader focus the group with an agenda, handout materials, and a presentation to get the group going, as well as provide a relaxed communication style would help group members feel their time and input is valued.
ReplyDeleteIt would be awfully hard, I think, to be aware of group members’ non-verbal communication in an online situation. The authors mention participants being nervous or intimidated by using the technology. I guess this might come across in silence rather than responses from participants, so a leader probably should try to find out why a participant isn’t taking an active role in the discussion.
Hi, Cyyntthhia,
ReplyDeleteI thought this was an interesting concept too. I've been in face-to-face groups where it was difficult to get people to interact, so I can imagine that it is even more difficult to rally a group and get people to be on task and productive. Like the book says, it would definitely take someone with a lot of patience to lead a computer-mediated communication group. I also imagine that it would be difficult for the leader to be aware of nonverbal cues from CMC members because everyone has a unique style of communicating through text. Different words and punctuation have different meanings for everyone, so it would be up to the leader to try and figure out those tendencies.
Hey Cyyntthia I read your post. I like the idea of CMC leader too. I think this is a similar situation like our teacher for this class. We discuss over CMC but our communication is guided or formulated on the basis of certain rules and regulations laid by our CMC leader (prof. Perez.) In fact I believe our leader is doing a great job by keeping us on track for getting us do only whatever we are supposed to or allowed to. She sets deadlines and we follow them to submit our work. It is as good as a F2F class except that we get all the instructions and announcements over the blog. We can also have an individual word like chat with the teacher for one on one consultation.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteHosting events through the internet is difficult than face to face. People have to commit additional time when it comes to computer mediated communications. The book stated that cmc takes longer to complete tasks since we constantly set date and times. Tasks that are completed over the internet need to have a due date and time otherwise members will take their time to complete their work. For example, the 12 hour rule when it comes to posting our blogs. The more time we spend on our blogs, the better quality it has. The information will be easier to understand than half-fast blogs.