Three Questions on CMC's Transformation

1. How has CMC transform the dynamics of interaction?
-According to Bielaczyc and Collins (1997), people need to construct learning environments that foster students’ diverse abilities and learn with others. In CMC settings, the learning community must synthesize diverse views, and each participant’s contributions must be respected. CMC has been effective in areas such as turn taking, duration of speech and control of direction of conversations between participants/speakers. It tells us something of the power dynamics of learning groups. On the other hand, in experiential mode of CMC, conversations between speakers can be terminated abruptly. Speakers in the mode of CMC have free accesses of going offline if he/she doesn't wish to chat or join a conversation. One can also personally avoid unwanted conversation. In FTF communication however, speakers won't be able to do so. Interaction via CMC has allowed chatting with strangers become more intense as you can see/feel connected and comfortable. A speaker who's chatting with another will not be expected to dress or be formal in appearance as it involves only text-based chatting instrument rather than FTF communication where speakers are expected to converse directly with each other in physical appearance. Thus, speakers' level of confidence can be developed due to the differing dynamics of CMC than FTF communication.

2. How has this transformation shapes society?
-From a socio-cognitive perspective based on Vygosky’s theory, learning is a socially mediated process. (Vygotsky, 1978).  In CMC settings, interaction means the participation of all participants in the social construction of meaning (Kaye, 1992). Kaye(1992) asserted that in constructing a socio-cognitive learning in a particular society, everyone needs to participate with everyone else through CMC worldwide. The transformation of the dynamics of interaction through CMC has undoubtedly shift various aspects of a speaker's abilities in communication. The advancement of technological usage in communicating through the worldwide web, e-mail, sms, voice-mail, and chat has produced technology savvies among every layers of speakers in society. Moreover, CMC has transformed our society to be a more information oriented. Nowadays informations can be shared in their fastest connection among people in various places. However, ackward society because speakers' language politeness may decrease because of the possibilities that speakers can easily end a conversation.

3. Is this mode of communication in sync with Islam?
-In Islam's ethics of communication, a person must not be rude or impolite. We must adhere to Islam's ethic of communication so that other speakers will not be offended. Allah S.W.T states in Surah al-Ahzaab, verse 70: "يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَقُولُوا قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا" 
"O you who have attained to faith! Remain conscious of God, and [always] speak with a will to bring out [only] what is just and true". The question concerns with to what degree does a speaker uses CMC to be in sync with Islamic values of politeness. Our religion teaches us to talk straight to the point, without ambiguity and deception. In Surah al-Israa', verse 53, Allah S.W.T commands us to choose the best words to speak and to say them in the best possible manner: "وَقُل لِّعِبَادِي يَقُولُوا الَّتِي هِيَ "أَحْسَنُ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَنزَغُ بَيْنَهُمْ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ كَانَ لِلْإِنسَانِ عَدُوًّا مُّبِينًا
"And Tell My servants that they should speak in the most kindly manner [unto those who do not share their beliefs]: verily, Satan is always ready to stir up discord between men - for, verily, Satan is man's open foe!"