Visual+Cues+in+Computer+Mediated+Communication

=Rezabek, Landra., Cochhenour, John. “Visual Cues in Computer Mediated Communication: Supplementing Text with Emotions. = ====//Journal of Visual Literacy: // Volume 18, Number 2. Pg. 200-214 ==== []

Abstract:
Increased usage of e-mail brings a variety of communication patterns. One way of clarifying verbal meaning within e-mail messages is through the use of visual meaning within e-mail messages is through the use of visual symbols, or emotions. Emotions are visual cues formed when ordinary typographical symbols that when read sideways represent feelings or emotions. This paper reports results of a study about emotions that appear in list e-mail traffic in higher eduction.

Argument:
The visual cues made from emotions from ordinary typographical symbol (when read sideways is a way to represent feelings or emotions). Example given is the symbol “:-)” which represents a smiley face and conveys that emotion. The person sending the message is obviously pleased or expressing some similar emotion. These emotions have received a lot of attention in the press now that computer-mediated communication is at an all time high where most everyone (in America) has a computer or access to one. This article discusses the utility of emotions as visual cues from the traditional communication models and presents research which is regarding the frequency and variety of emotions.

 Key Passages:
“Determining the meaning of any given communications can be an elusive endeavor. Effective communication is no simply a matter of analyzing individual word denotations and connotations, it is a blend of many factors.” (202)

“Emotions can provide support to written communication, in much the same way that visuals or body language can enhance verbal communication.” (202)

“Although the use of emotions theoretically can assist in clarifying the exact meaning of an electronic message, little seems to be known about the frequency of their use, the interpretations and recognition of the various symbols, and the appropriateness and integration of these visual cues in electronc communication.” (202-203)

Selected Works Cited:
===1. Gunawardena, C. N.m Gibson, C. C., Cochenour, J.J., Dean, T., Dillion, C.L., Hussmiller, R., Murphy, K., Rezabek, L.L., & Saba, F (1994). Multiple perspectives on implementing inter-university computer conferencing: A symposium. //Covering the world with educationa opportunities: Distance learning research conference proceeding (pp. 101-117).// College Station, TX: Texas A&M University. === ===2. Kovacs, D. K. (Ed). (1994, March). //Directory of scholoarly electronic conferences.// (On-line) Directory Team and Kent State University Libraries. Available: kentv.kent.edu ===

4. McNichol, T. (1994, January 21-23). Fellow Travelers on the info highway. //USA Weekend//, pp. 4-6
===5. Rezabek, L.L., Boyce, M., Cochenour, J., Dean, T., Dillion, C., Gibson, C.C., Gunawardena, C. N., Hessmiller, R., Murphy, K. L., Saba, F., & Weibel, K. (1994). CMC as learner-centered instructions: Lessons from //Globaled ’93. Designing learner-centered systems: Tenth annual conference on distance teaching and learning. (pp. 169-179).// Madison WI: University of Wisconsin-Madison ===

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">6. Sanderson, D, W (1992). //Smiliey book//. Cambridge, MA: O’Reilly & Associates.
===<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">7. Spinuzzi, C. (1992). //Emotions and non-verbal communication on the USENET.// (on-line) Availabe: spinuzzi@gab.unt.edu ===