To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Since
1990’s, there has been a gradual shift from viewing online learning as a tool
for language learning toward seeing mastery of online communication as a
valuable end in itself. This shows the increasing prominence of online
communication in today’s society, with e-mails and online discussion surpassing
phone calls or face-to-face interaction (American Management Association
International, 1998).
Online
communication is defined as a computer-meditated form of communication like
reading, writing and exchanging information. Along with the modernizing nation, the
Internet had grown rapidly over the last two decades, and there are now a
myriad of internet services available for the public. This essay will elaborate
on the three advantages of online communication.
Firstly, online
communication grants users flexible access. This is because online forums or
any form of conversation online are available 24/7, and this is not the case
for public gathering or face to face interactions. Users are able to
communicate whenever and wherever convenient for them. This can also promote
online learning, encouraging people to take up online courses. Working students
would be able to focus on their job during their day and study at the comfort
of their own home, adults who travels a lot because of their job would also
find online course more convenient.
Secondly, any
individual participating in online communication can enjoy the equity in the
ability to share their thoughts and ideas. On the web, it is not based on who
talk the loudest, or who has the highest rank in their workplace. Everyone on
the internet is leveled and everyone has the opportunity to speak. According to
Warschauer (1999), he found that people are more likely to participate in
computer-mediated discussion compared to face-to-face interaction, thus
suggesting that online communication is a useful tool or stage for the quiet or
shy to voice out their opinion and ideas.
Besides that,
online communications had made connecting with people easier than ever. Adolescents
use the internet for making connections and maintaining relationships (Lenhart,
Madden, Macsill, & Smith, 2007). Teenagers today basically grew up in the
era of Facebook, Whatsapp and Wechat. These online social networks are what enable
them to connect with friends and family whenever and wherever they are. Online
communication also allows one user to connect with users from around the globe,
users can improve and broaden their perspective and learn or discover about
other cultures, language, lifestyles and so on. Other than that online
communication enables individuals to connect with people with the mutual
interests. For instance, a guy who likes to travel the world would be able to
connect and make friends with people with the same interest and exchange their
thoughts and experience on travelling.
This essay had
discussed the three advantages of online communication. Advancing technologies
had definitely made life a more comfortable and easier place to live in, allowing
the people the benefit of staying connected, whenever and wherever.
