TOPIC 2 TECHNOLOGY ENABLED 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 environment you are/ may be involved with; and Plan yourself for the future technology of business communication.

INTRODUCTION

Technological tools can enhance the unique human ability to communicate, especially in business interaction. However, how one uses them determines their degree of effectiveness. By using your mind to both create messages and to focus on the technology .

2.1 COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

The emerging communication technologies are altering the nature of communication processes and our communication experiences. The new technologies are bringing new ways of sharing information, discovering ideas, network relationship building and new ways of communicating 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 correspondence purposes and online networking (advertising and sales). New forms of communication, which were traditionally transmitted by distinct means of communication modes are now connected through digital streams and delivered by various interactive modes. The integration of computer technology and traditional audio-visual media has created a dramatic impact upon business presentations. With advancement of telecommunications, media and computing, the business world offers true interactivity of global communication affecting every part of human activities.

2.2 TECHNOLOGY ENABLED COMMUNICATION

In addressing technology-enabled communication, discussions will cover the following four main topics: Tools for constructing messages; Tools for presenting messages; Tools for transmitting messages; and Tools for collaborating messages.

2.2.1 Tools for Constructing Messages

2.2.2 Tools for Presenting Messages

Technology helps in the presentation of documents, particularly with the application of sophisticated software and hardware, which are useful for creating impressive business presentations.

Software There are various types of software which help enhance the presentation of documents. In the following paragraphs, we will look into software for publication, layout and design in particular.
Publication Today, you can publish your document in print or electronic form.

2.2.2 Tools for Presenting Messages

Layout and Design Software contributes with publishing features that combine text, graphics, links, audio and video that promote good layout and design. Layout and design refers to the arrangement of text and graphics on a page, as shown in Figure 2.9 and 2.10. It also involves the careful composition of the following basic elements:

White space for emphasis and readability; Text for emphasis and balance as well as for visual clues of organisation; Visuals such as graphics and drawing; and Graphic design elements to direct the eye.

Figure 2.9: Illustrations of before and after layout for presentation Source: Lasiker & Flatley (2002)

Figure 2.10: Illustrations of double-page spread copy aligned at top and left, the way our eye has been trained to read pages Source: Lasiker & Flatley (2002)

2.2.2 Tools for Presenting Messages

Layout and design are also affected by typography. The aspects that need to be focused on are:

Points and picas, which represent height; Kerning, which determines the spacing between letters; Leading, which determines the spacing between lines; and Typeface, which refers to the design of an entire set of letters.

Art is the final aspect of layout and design. Its main purpose is to serve a messages purpose.

2.2.2 Tools for Presenting Messages

Hardware Other than software, hardware is another component of presenting a message. If the software has features your printer or other output device cannot print, the features are useless. Both must work together to produce messages.

2.2.3 Tools for Transmitting Messages

In this context, transmitting messages means sending messages, as shown in Figure 2.11 and 2.12. The tools for transmitting messages basically depend on the following four factors. Communicators have a variety of choices of media for transmitting their messages. This will depend on the requirements of the communication and interaction level involved either internally or externally. Oral messages can be sent by mobile phone, voice messaging systems and sound clips. Video-conferencing technology combines oral and visual messages. Written messages can be transmitted by fax or e-mail.

Figure 2.11: Message transmission through various tools Source: Lasiker & Flatley (2002)

Figure 2.12: Message transmission through wireless technology allows flexibility in communication Source: Lasiker & Flatley (2002))

2.2.4 Tools for Collaboration

A range of software tools assist groups in collaborating writing environments. These include the following: Asynchronous Computer Tools Asynchronous tools include word processing, discussion and electronic mail. Synchronous Computer Tools Synchronous computer tools are used by all group members at the same time. However, they can be used either at the same place or at different places. Same-place tools are generally referred to as electronic meeting systems (EMS). Different-place tools are sometimes called whiteboard or collaborative tools. With the same-place EMS tools, a facilitator conducts the meeting and operates the software that runs on a network. The facilitator may start the group with a question of statement. The group members will comment on the statement through their computers simultaneously and anonymously.

2.3 A LOOK TO THE FUTURE

computer age is over and we have moved into the network and wireless age. Three widely anticipated near-term advancements are Microsofts net initiative, Bluetooth technology and biometrics. Three long term advancements that look interesting are electronic paper, printed chips and self-healing