13: Mediated Communication and Remote Learning
- Page ID
- 248529
This page is a draft and is under active development.
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Mediated communication happens when people interact using technology instead of face to face conversation. Today, much of education and work relies on mediated tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, Canvas, email, and discussion boards. Internet use has become widespread in modern society, with approximately 5.4 billion people, about 67% of the global population, online by 2023 (International Telecommunication Union, 2023) and about 93% of U.S. households having internet access (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital communication tools such as video conferencing expanded rapidly, accelerating adoption by several years in a short period (McKinsey & Company, 2020). At the same time, remote learning became a global necessity, with more than 1.2 billion students affected by school closures and shifting to online education (Li & Lalani, 2020).
While mediated communication allows people to connect across distances and time zones, it also brings new challenges. Nonverbal cues such as eye contact, posture, and gestures can be harder to read on a screen, which may cause misunderstandings. Students may also experience Zoom fatigue, a feeling of exhaustion from prolonged online interaction (Peper et al., 2021). For public speaking, this means that speakers must adapt their style by speaking with more vocal variety, pausing for audience feedback, and using visuals effectively to maintain attention in mediated spaces. In addition, mediated platforms offer exciting opportunities. A student in California can present a group project with a classmate in Japan, or a small business owner can pitch to investors across the country without traveling. Public speaking in these environments requires not only clear delivery but also strong listening, engagement, and digital presence. By learning how to communicate effectively through mediated channels, students prepare themselves for success in both academic and professional settings.
Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Remote learning study set up. OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (Sep 19 version) [Large language model]. Http://chat.openai.com/chat Links to an external site.
- Distinguish between synchronous and asynchronous online speeches and explain the benefits and challenges of each.
- Apply best practices for verbal and nonverbal communication in mediated environments, including strategies for lighting, camera setup, sound, and use of visual aids.
- Evaluate how mediated communication has transformed public speaking opportunities in education and professional contexts.
- 13.1: Synchronous and Asynchronous
- This page explores the evolution of public speaking influenced by technology, distinguishing between synchronous (live) and asynchronous (recorded) formats. It highlights the benefits of real-time interaction versus the flexibility of recorded speeches. Nonverbal cues and factors, such as environment and voice modulation, are essential for effective online communication. Standing while speaking is recommended to boost energy and clarity.
- 13.2: Guidelines for Online Speeches
- This page emphasizes that online presentations go beyond traditional speaking skills, requiring attention to technical aspects like sound quality, lighting, and camera angles. Clear audio is crucial for audience engagement, while good lighting and a tidy background enhance professionalism. Visual aids should complement the speaker, not dominate the presentation.
- 13.3: Gossary
- This page defines key concepts in online communication and education: asynchronous speech (recorded, non-live presentations), synchronous speech (real-time engagement), mediated communication (use of technology), remote learning (online education across platforms), and Zoom fatigue (mental exhaustion from excessive video conferencing).
- 13.4: Discussion Questions
- This page discusses the impact of mediated communication on education and public speaking, highlighting benefits like increased access and challenges such as diminished nonverbal cues. It compares synchronous and asynchronous communication, noting the effectiveness of video calls for interaction and recorded videos for reflection. The importance of vocal variety for engagement is emphasized, alongside the differences in nonverbal communication via webcam.
- 13.5: References
- This page summarizes various academic sources on topics like public speaking, nonverbal communication, the impact of COVID-19 on education, and strategies to mitigate Zoom fatigue. It emphasizes the role of audio quality in online communication and the importance of listening in leadership. The insights reflect current trends and challenges in digital communication and education.
Thumbnail: Remote learning study set up. OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (Sep 19 version) [Large language model]. Http://chat.openai.com/chat(opens in new window) Links to an external site.