ICT at Work Global Communication

Communication We communicate in many different ways and for many reasons. ICT has helped communication methods to develop.

Ways to communicate People all over the world are linked by communication networks. They use cables and computers, satellites and microwaves. The systems can be used to transmit voice communication (analogue) or digital data. The use of digital data means that we can use computer technology to provide different ways to communicate.

Telephone Land line phones are usually cheaper to use than mobiles. Most models allow you to store the numbers you use a lot. They can be connected up within a building so that internal phone calls are free. Some phones have video screens. Some have conference facilities, so that many people can hear what is being said. Some phones have e-mail facilities.

Video conferencing Business meetings can be expensive, especially if people have to travel to get to them. Video conferencing links two or more computers so that they can stream live video and sound. Cameras and microphones capture the data and send it across the communications network to monitors and speakers. The people in the meeting can see and hear each other, as they would if they were in the same room. They can send files to each other if they need to share documents.

Mobile phones Mobile phones are actually sophisticated radios. Service providers erect radio masts to broadcast signals. You can contact a person without knowing where they are. Phones store numbers for your contacts. Some have extra features such as calculators, cameras and diaries. Some allow the user to connect to the Internet to check e-mail and view WAP sites.

Text messaging Text messaging is also called SMS (short message service). SMS is usually used on mobile phones. The user types their message, and sends it to the other person’s mobile phone. They open the message when they next switch on their phone. Messages are cheaper than mobile phone calls. Phones can also send picture messages and video.

Fax Fax is short for facsimile – a picture of something rather than the real thing. The fax machine scans a document and sends a black and white picture of it to the receiver. They then print out a copy of the document when it is transmitted. You can only fax to one person at a time, and you pay international rates to send abroad. The document loses some quality as you transmit it.

Email E-mail (electronic mail) sends messages between computers. The sender writes the message and presses send. The message is then sent to the other person’s e-mail server. They download it next time they log on. You can attach files to e-mails for the other person to open and use. You can send e-mail to groups of people at the same time.

Instant messaging Instant messaging (IM) allows you to set up a list of people online you want to “talk” to. Each user types their message, and the other person can see it straight away. IM lets you exchange files, and you know the other person has received them. You can send hyperlinks to web sites. You can also talk using a microphone or a web cam. IM is cheaper than long distance phone calls.

Decisions, decisions The trouble with having lots of ways to communicate is that we have to decide which one to use. A decision tree uses rules to help us choose. Once you have set up the rules, you can answer questions and follow a different path until you find the best answer. It can be quite difficult to decide what the rules should be.

This is one set of rules that could be used. Decision tree This is one set of rules that could be used.

The decision tree on the previous slide isn’t the only way you can decide how best to communicate. There are lots of other factors that you might need to take into account, such as: What technology does the other person have available? If they are abroad, what time is it where they are? Do you need to send the same thing to lots of people? How much will it cost? Often there is no single correct answer – you could fax a document, or scan it and send by e-mail.

Best means of communication: 1

Best means of communication: 2

Best means of communication: 3

Best means of communication: 4

Best means of communication: 5

Best means of communication: 6

You choose Technology changes quickly and you may find you disagree with the correct answers given. Able to see the people you are speaking to: Video conferencing Can send to many people at once: SMS; E-mail; Instant messaging Access to the Internet is required to communicate in this way: E-mail; Instant messaging; Video conferencing Can send documents: Fax; E-mail; Instant messaging; Video conferencing The other’s person’s telephone number is required to communicate in this way: Mobile phone; Land line phone; Fax; SMS You can keep a record of the conversation: Instant messaging; Video conferencing You need to know where the other person is: Land line phone; Fax Printed copy is available: Fax; E-mail; Instant messaging

Summary You can communicate with people in other parts of the world in many different ways. Global communications use computers, satellites and microwaves. Examples are fax, telephone, e-mail, mobile phone, text messaging (SMS), Instant Messaging (IM) and video conferencing. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. You need to consider the situation and choose a method, but there may be no single right answer.