The Use of Communication Strategies in Mobile Asynchronous Chat

• Published in: International journal of computer-assisted language learning and teaching 2021-04, Vol.11 (2), p.33-50
• Main Authors: Chai, Xun Yu, Subramaniam, Ganakumaran
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 21st century; Applications programs; Asynchronous Communication; Attitudes; Case studies; Chat; Classroom communication; Collaborative learning; Communication Strategies; Computer Mediated Communication; Cooperative learning; Discourse strategies; Education; Educational technology; Electronic Learning; English (Second Language); Graduate Students; Handheld Devices; Language; Learning; Linguistics; Mobile computing; Multimedia communications; Problem Solving; Second Language Learning; Social networks; Software; Speech Communication; Students; Teaching; Telecommunications systems; Verbal communication
• ISSN: 2155-7098; 2155-7101
• DOI: 10.4018/IJCALLT.2021040103

The 21st century education is to provide students with digital learning experiences alongside creating a path to independent and collaborative learning. In this regard, computer-mediated communication (CMC) is receiving great attention in the field of education. Using a case study mixed methods approach, this paper examines the communication strategies used by postgraduate students, who are also in-service teachers, using the asynchronous WeChat mobile app for academic problem-solving purposes. It also explores their opinions on the practicality of using the oral asynchronous communication programme for problem-solving activities. It is found that the asynchronous spoken medium triggers ‘presentation speech' patterns that reflect both spoken and written features. The problem-solving process in the asynchronous spoken medium also is mediated via a low frequency of the use of communication strategies. The findings shed light on teaching and learning via oral-based asynchronous medium pertaining to the types of tasks and learning objectives to be achieved.