6/26 Computer-Mediated Communication & Edu.

Chapter 19 discusses the implications of e-mail. E-mails are different from print letters because they no longer need the predictable “to” and “from.” Instead we are forced to learn new ways to communicate with eachother. This is true because emails are usually informal, have phonetic spelling and the “literate and oral codes mingle and swap juices.” As a consequent we must learn new ways in communicating. Emoticons or smiley’s are a good example of new forms of communication. I find emoticons to be very interesting because even though there is no face-to-face communication through email, the smiley face or other symbols can show a facial expression. Furthermore, the chapter says, “People are always free in whatever medium they use (314).” in other words people have the ability to hide behind what they are saying through the computer and even use a fake identity. This could lead to falsified information and harassment. Furthermore, the chapter makes a good point about breaking off from a chat or email. Rather then the telephone where you can just hang up, “breaking off” seems more difficult to do in email and as a consequent there is talk that serves no function.

Chapter 20 discusses flaming. I found this chapter interesting because it states that this antisocial behavior may be a result of technological constraints that “encourage people to lose themselves and let their emotions fly (330).” I agree with this because when people lack face-to-face interaction, it becomes more impersonal leading to lack of respect and profanity. The chapter also said that experienced users are more aware of email etiquette and develop skill in “flame management” where a novice would reveal lack of experience by typing in all caps (339).

Chp.12- virtual organizations allow students to go at their own pace and therefore focus on weakness. I thought it was interesting how the chapter relates the technology to internships. The technology allows students to have valuable tasks and networking rather then doing the typical internship job of answering the phone. Furthermore the virtual intern can design something and check the effectiveness. Furthermore VR is great because it allows people to participate directly. Also, in addition to the visual aspects of VR, the auditory cues are also extremely important to get a feel of a real world. It is also important to note that there are philosophical issues at hand about VR. These philosophers say that we shouldn’t spend too much time in our VR body because it can result in a self identity crisis and give us health issues such as bad headaches. I find this fascinating that a virtual world can change our perception of things.