Topic 2 Technology Enabled Communication

8/12/2019 Topic 2 Technology Enabled Communication

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TOPIC 2 TECHNOLOGYENABLED COMMUNICATION

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:Choose the tools for constructing, presenting,transmitting and collaborating messages;

Apply the tools within the business environmentyou are/ may be involved with; andPlan yourself for the future technology ofbusiness communication.


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INTRODUCTION

Technological tools can enhance theunique human ability to communicate,especially in business interaction.

However, how one uses themdetermines their degree ofeffectiveness. By using your mind to

both create messages and to focus onthe technology .


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2.1 COMMUNICATION ANDTECHNOLOGY

The emerging communication technologies are altering the nature ofcommunication processes and our communication experiences. Thenew technologies are bringing new ways of sharing information,discovering ideas, network relationship building and new ways ofcommunicating in businesses. We learn more about our self identity,the world and the future. i.e. computer

The world of business is experiencing changes in correspondencepurposes and online networking (advertising and sales). New formsof communication, which were traditionally transmitted by distinctmeans of communication modes are now connected through digitalstreams and delivered by various interactive modes.

The integration of computer technology and traditional audio-visualmedia has created a dramatic impact upon business presentations.With advancement of telecommunications, media and computing,the business world offers true interactivity of global communicationaffecting every part of human activities.


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2.2 TECHNOLOGY ENABLEDCOMMUNICATION

In addressing technology-enabledcommunication, discussions will coverthe following four main topics:

Tools for constructing messages;Tools for presenting messages;Tools for transmitting messages; andTools for collaborating messages.


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2.2.1 Tools for ConstructingMessages


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2.2.2 Tools for PresentingMessages

Technology helps in the presentation ofdocuments, particularly with the application ofsophisticated software and hardware, which areuseful for creating impressive businesspresentations.

Software There are various types of software which helpenhance the presentation of documents. In thefollowing paragraphs, we will look into software

for publication, layout and design in particular.

Publication Today, you can publish your document inprint or electronic form.


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Layout and Design Software contributes withpublishing features that combine text, graphics,links, audio and video that promote good layoutand design. Layout and design refers to thearrangement of text and graphics on a page, as

shown in Figure 2.9 and 2.10. It also involves thecareful composition of the following basicelements:

White space for emphasis and readability;

Text for emphasis and balance as well as forvisual clues of organisation;Visuals such as graphics and drawing; andGraphic design elements to direct the eye.


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Figure 2.9 : Illustrations of before and after layout forpresentation

Source : Lasiker & Flatley (2002)


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Figure 2.10 : Illustrations of double-pagespread copy aligned at top and left, theway our eye has been trained to readpages

Source : Lasiker & Flatley (2002)


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Layout and design are also affected bytypography. The aspects that need to befocused on are:

Points and picas, which represent height;Kerning, which determines the spacingbetween letters;Leading, which determines the spacingbetween lines; and

Typeface, which refers to the design of anentire set of letters.

Art is the final aspect of layout and design. Itsmain purpose is to serve a messagespurpose.


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HardwareOther than software, hardware isanother component of presenting a

message. If the software has featuresyour printer or other output devicecannot print, the features are useless.

Both must work together to producemessages.


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2.2.3 Tools for TransmittingMessagesIn this context, transmitting messages means sendingmessages, as shown in Figure 2.11 and 2.12. The tools

fortransmitting messages basically depend on the following

four

factors.

Communicators have a variety of choices of media fortransmitting their messages. This will depend on therequirements of the communication and interaction levelinvolved either internally or externally.Oral messages can be sent by mobile phone, voicemessaging systems and sound clips.Video-conferencing technology combines oral andvisual messages.Written messages can be transmitted by fax or e-mail.


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Figure 2.11 : Messagetransmission through varioustoolsSource : Lasiker & Flatley(2002)

Figure 2.12 : Message transmission throughwireless technology allows flexibility in

communicationSource : Lasiker & Flatley (2002))


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2.2.4 Tools for Collaboration A range of software tools assist groups in collaborating writingenvironments. These include the following:

Asynchronous Computer Tools Asynchronous tools include word processing, discussion and electronic mail .

Synchronous Computer ToolsSynchronous computer tools are used by all group membersat the same time. However, they can be used either at thesame place or at different places. Same-place tools aregenerally referred to as electronic meeting systems (EMS).Different-place tools are sometimes called whiteboard orcollaborative tools.

With the same-place EMS tools, a facilitator conducts themeeting and operates the software that runs on a network.The facilitator may start the group with a question ofstatement. The group members will comment on thestatement through their computers simultaneously and

anonymously.


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2.3 A LOOK TO THEFUTURE

computer age is over and we havemoved into the network and wirelessage.

Three widely anticipated near-termadvancements are Microsofts netinitiative, Bluetooth technology and

biometrics.Three long term advancements thatlook interesting are electronic paper,

printed chips and self-healing

Topic 2 Technology Enabled Communication

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