Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 9
Online Communication
Learning objectives
◽
Understand the channels available for Internet communications
Internet Communication
Types
◽
Recognize the features of the different communication types
◽
Choose the correct communication medium for a particular situation
Communicating
Appropriately
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Understand appropriate etiquette for online communication
Using and Managing
Email
◽
Understand the basic features of email programs and how to use them
The way we
communicate with friends and business associates has changed
dramatically in the last decade, thanks to the Internet. Our communication chan-
nels are increasingly shifting toward computer-assisted technologies, many of which
are not only more immediate but also less expensive to use than the non-computer-
ized alternatives. For example, a business can save a great deal of money by sending
its advertisements to customers by email rather than postal mail, and by meeting
with clients through videoconferencing rather than having employees travel to the
client site, and families can keep in touch using video chat services, as in Figure 9.1.
With all these new technologies for communication available, though, it can be
a challenge to select the appropriate communication medium for a situation. In
addition, each new form of communication comes with its own social conventions
about the type of language to use, the format messages should take, and the appro-
priate level of formality. Whether or not you conform to these communication
rules directly affects how well your message is received.
In this chapter, we will review the many different types of computer-assisted com-
munication technologies available in today's world. You'll learn about their pros
and cons and accepted uses, and you'll learn some of the etiquette rules and cus-
toms that will enable you to get your message across effectively.
