Communications and Collaboration

Exploring communication methods People with whom you are corresponding and the topic of the correspondence determine the method of electronic communication.

E-Mail Should be used when: the correspondence might need a paper trail the correspondence covers multiple points the correspondence needs to be accessed frequently

Instant messaging / Texting Best used when correspondence needs to be accessed in real time. Can send and receive messages from: Computer Cell phone Other mobile device

Teleconferencing Permit the live exchange and sharing of information between two or more people Can be audio or video Allow groups of people to communicate with each other online

Advantages of electronic communication Not restricted to a specific place and time Can use text and graphics Instantaneous Communication can be one to one one to many many to many

Advantages continued Cost is minimal or free Access is available from various devices Forwarding and routing of messages can be done in an instant

Group Communication options File sharing Blogs Wikis Discussion boards All of these options enable groups of people to contribute and receive information quickly with the ability to comment and see everyone’s comments.

Electronic communication problems Electronic communication is not without problems Discussion of the most common issues follow:

Lost internet connection To take advantage of the communication options you must be connected to the internet. There will be times when you lose your internet connection and Windows includes a troubleshooter for lost connection If the troubleshooter does not fix problem you may need to contact your internet service provider

E-mail software problems Service provider’s connection could be down Often waiting a few minutes to send or receive messages solves the problem

Common Problems with downloading and viewing email The size of the attachment might be the problem The virus software may detect issues with attachment Issue could be with the type of message—advertising or unrecognizable documents