Technology

Summary of the article
Computer-mediated communication (CMC) is slowly becoming the trend of modern day learning in response to the varying needs of todays highly dynamic generation. While others may argue that CMC is a diversion from traditional method of instructions, the advantages from this manner of learning cannot be undermined and must seriously be considered. In fact, CMC is considered to portray models of efficiency, quality, and high-quality interactivity, which is achieved through the manipulation of control and message (Lee et al., 2002).

Interactivity is defined as the real-time exchange of thoughts and interplay of roles between sender and receiver. Control and message, on the other hand, characterize the two dimensions of interactivity. It is emphasized by the authors that such kind of dimensions can be conceptualized and manipulated in order to create a customized online learning process that will undeniably aid the child to better absorb the lessons presented to them (Lee et al., 2002). Control describes the entity that controls the majority of the commands during an online event while message is composed of the form by which communication is delivered (form-oriented) and the content of the communication that is made available (content-oriented) (Lee et al., 2002). Manipulations of these elements will eventually result to four combinations that are described in Table 1.

In general, it can be inferred that this article has emphasized the importance of interactivity in online learning. It was able to illustrate possible methods of combination in order to facilitate the said manipulation that will lead to increased interactivity and subsequent positive learning outcomes.
Table 1. Possible combinations for the customization of online learning (Lee et al.,2002).