Communication technology

HI, CAPESTERS. I hope you are all doing well in your classes. Last week we looked at Contexts of Communication, and this week we will be moving on to Communication Technology. Technology has had a remarkable impact on our society and has touched every aspect of our daily lives. Communication has not escaped this evolution, as we are now communicating in ways that we only saw in the movies.

At the end of this week’s lesson, you should be able to:

Define the term 'communication technology'.

Identify modern forms of communication technology.

List the advantages and disadvantages of specific forms of communication technology.

Communication technology refers to the application of scientific advancements in telephony (voice and voiceless) to the process of communication with the aim of making it more efficient. It allows the user greater flexibility (McDermottt, 2008). The aim of technology in communication is to enhance the process by making communication more efficient, faster and more accessible, thus allowing it to have greater reach.

This topic will feature in the exam by testing your knowledge on the different types of communication technology; their advantages and disadvantages; their impact on how we communicate; and the relationship between communication technology and audience.

FORMS OF COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

■ Instant messaging

■ Telephone

■ Smartphone

■ Email

■ Facsimile

■ Television

■ Radio

■ Electronic billboard

■ Videoconferencing

■ Social networks

ADVANTAGES

a. Immediate communication – Messages, calls, videos are instantaneous.

b. Relatively inexpensive – For the most part, using these forms of technology is cheap, especially if there is access to Wi-Fi.

c. Convenient – Most communication can be done from the comfort of home or at the communicator’s convenience.

d. Range – These forms of technology are able to transcend geographic constraints. As such, one can readily communicate with someone halfway around the world.

e. Facilitates both audio and visual communication – This is not the case for all the technologies listed above, e.g., the facsimile.

f. Able to facilitate mass communication – Through broadcast messages, media ads, etc, communication technology is able to reach a large audience.

g. Easily accessible

– Most people have access to various forms of communication technology, thus reaching anyone is made easy.

DISADVANTAGES

a. Availability of technology – If both parties do not have access to the technology, then communication cannot take place, e.g., trying to communicate on WhatsApp with someone who does not have the app.

b. Privacy – Hacking and interception of information can prove to be a disadvantage.

c. Dependent on power – Without electricity, some communication technology cannot be used.

d. Needs Internet access – Access to the Internet affects the effectiveness of some devices.

e. Expensive – Some communication technology is both difficult to purchase as well as to maintain.

Technology has had various impact on communication, language, technology and culture. See a list of the impacts below.

IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON COMMUNICATION:

■ Allows for the evolution of the language.

■ Allows for the development of new language as a result of: a) Instant messaging. b) Text messaging.

■ Allows for a greater reach (audience).

■ Allows for greater influence of ideas.

■ Allows for greater access to learning and learning opportunities.

IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON CULTURE

■ Social interaction

■ Loss of language/dying language.

■ Appreciation for Creole.

■ Changes in morals and values of individuals.

■ Allows for the homogenising of societies.

IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON THE JAMAICAN CREOLE

■ Created/established a written form that has become more acceptable.

■ Made progressive inroads in establishing positive perceptions of Creole.

■ Allows for the Jamaica Creole to improve its status by formalising the language.

ACTIVITY

Read the following questions and select the MOST suitable answer from the options given.

1. John’s mother is gravely ill and he needs to get in touch with his father in New York. Which of the following communication technology would be best for him to use? a. The radio b. The telephone c. Electronic billboard

2. Sarah has a meeting with her staff but is unable to make it to the office because of the blizzard; she holds the meeting… a. Over the telephone b. Via the cellular phone (SMS) c. Via videoconferencing

3. Susie wants to connect with an aunt with whom she has lost contact; she… a. Calls her on the telephone b. Uses an electronic billboard c. Searches on Facebook

4. Sam’s company is marketing their new line of recycled chewing gum, so they…

a. Send out text messages. b. Send out broadcasts via the cellphone. c. Place an ad on television.

Read the scenarios below then decide on the MOST suitable form of communication technology that would solve the problem. Provide reasons for your answer.

1. Halley Brown needs to send copies of her exam certificates to Montego Bay Nursing College. The certificates are due tomorrow.

2. Mr and Mrs Turner have recently opened the Convenience Hardware Store. They need to conduct business with their suppliers and customers.

3. Professor Hamilton needs to receive essays from his students and provide them with feedback. However, Professor Hamilton will be at a seminar in Washington, DC.

4. The executive members of the Mentorship Outreach Programme would like to inform the members of a special general meeting.

I hope you have understood what was taught this week. See you next week when we will cover Writing the Module Three Essay.