ICT as a communication tool

Communicative tool

Communicative tools are applications which enable easy communication between teacher and the students as well as among students beyond the physical barrier either by space, time or both of the classrooms.

The following are the examples;

1. e-mail
2. electronic bulletin boards
3. online chat
4. video and web conferencing
5. electronic white boards/smart boards
6. social networking sites (blogs/Facebook/twitter)

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Basically, there are two types of communications that are;

1. Synchronous
2. Asynchronous

Synchronous

It is also called real time, in which users must be simultaneously connected, rather like a telephone call.

• Enabler real-time communication
• Used for instructional activities that require higher degree of interaction
• Helps solving urgent problems or issues
• Examples; chat, telephone call, videoconferencing

Disadvantages of Synchronous

• Slow connection distracts and fails to keep abreast of interest
• Difficult to make quick comments by slow computer users
• Discussion lose focus because of many side discussions
• Multiple threads of discussion are difficult to follow

Advantages of Synchronous

• Provide real time communication
• Helps solving urgent problems

Asynchronous

It’s doesn’t require people to access to the internet at the same time.

Example; e-mail, electronic bulletin boards,

Disadvantages of Asynchronous

• Discussion boards/blogs/VLE posts fail to maintain the interest (minimizes frequency)
• Discourage learner’s participation

Advantages of Asynchronous

• Not require people at the same time

After learning this topic, I came to know about the disadvantages and advantages of synchronous and asynchronous. If the internet speed is high or if the message has to be sent instantly then synchronous communication is better and if the discussion has to sustain for a longer duration then asynchronous communication can be used using VLE discussion forum, we chat, email etc.