Collaborative Writing using CMC Technologies – Benefits and Challenges for Second Language (L2) Learners: A Research Synthesis

Computer-mediated Communication (CMC) indicates any type of communication that utilizes computer programs or networked services such as social media. Many studies were conducted to show the effectiveness of these CMC technologies on collaborative writing for L2 students. This review paper identifies benefits and issues of computer-mediated collaborative writing for L2 learners and provides some useful guidelines for L2 instructors and instructional designers. With the benefits of latest technologies and social interaction, many studies revealed that collaborative writing using CMC improved L2 students’ writing skills and had a positive impact on their motivation. It could also automatically enhance students’ critical thinking skills when they read and critique other students’ writing works. However, there were also studies which showed no significant effects on students’ performance. The negative results were due to some technological limitations and people issues inherent in collaborative learning which demands constant interaction among people with diverse backgrounds and characteristics. Therefore, more careful instructional design and instructors’ facilitation are required to overcome both technology and people issues. The findings and implication from this study on L2 learners can be applied to any online courses which utilize CMC tools for collaborative writing projects.