Title: Computer-Mediated Communication challenges Chinese teachers' authority

Authors: Hung-Ling Twu

Addresses: National Chin-Yi Institute of Technology, 35, Lane 215, Chung Shan Rd., Sec.1, Ping-Li Tsun, Tai Ping City, Taichung County, Taiwan

Abstract: Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) has empowered online learners to engage in active online interaction. Chinese students, too, are empowered with this new learning tool, offering a new opportunity to engage in communication about their revered teachers. They may mistakenly employ this new power without observing the appropriate uses and applications of CMC. This paper examines Chinese online flaming behaviours. Chinese teachers should take advantage of the potential presented by CMC for active online interaction, and teacher authority should be permitted to be challenged. Online students should be tutored in online etiquette suitable to regulate their online CMC behaviours, and also be encouraged to participate in positive online interaction.

Keywords: computer-mediated communication; CMC; online flaming; teacher authority; online learning; Chinese students; e-learning; China; online etiquette; online interaction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2007.013666

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2007 Vol.17 No.2/3, pp.244 - 252

Published online: 10 May 2007 *

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