Digital presentation aids are are images, objects, sounds, musical, or vocal additions that reinforce and create better comprehension of a concept or idea. Audience response systems are real-time polling of the audience that allow the speaker to gather information from the audience Connected screens allow for greater collaboration to seamlessly share content and ideas from various devices Online learning platforms are digital applications used to enhance learning and make learning more collaborative Learning management systems are used to manage and maintain learning records and data Video conferencing services are tools for multiple people to collaborate simultaneously without using live audio/video of the participants Webinars are a type of video conference that allows one person to present while other participants can only listen Pre-recorded videos are videos that are not live and can be watched at any time. Emails are electronic letters used to exchange information, usually formal in nature Social media are platforms that permit us to connect with our friends and family to share ideas, thoughts, and photos with one another Instant messaging (IM) are platforms that allow for instantaneous text communication, usually informal in nature Curate your Visual Aids before your presentation in Pops Classroom Related Readings: Communication Process Visual Aids Aural Aids The type of technology you use in communication depends on the channel a speaker is using to send their message. In an in-person conversation or speaking engagement, technology may include microphones, slideshows with projection screen, or amplification speakers. Digital presentation aids can be extremely effective for public speaking situations in a modern society. These visual (seeing) and aural (listening) aids enhance the audience’s connection with the speaker by providing a context, background, or frame of reference to a topic. Recently, audience response systems have become popular. These include real time polling of the audience enabling the speaker to make “on the fly” decisions about a presentation. These systems are also used to engage the audience and keep them interested in the content being discussed and presented.
Online based platforms and methods are the bulk of technology based communication. As our educational systems move more and more toward global and online offerings, the technologies we use affect our ability to communicate. Students are able to receive information and potential course credit without ever having to step onto a college campus. Today, many institutions offer public speaking courses 100% online with recorded presentations or in a hybrid format with limited class sessions for presentations. Regardless of subject, classes online will utilize an array of technology to bring instruction to the course. Online learning platforms, like Pops Classroom, are digital applications used to enhance learning and make learning more collaborative. Online learning management systems, like Blackboard and Canvas, are systems used to manage and maintain learning records and data. As a student, it is important to have a basic understanding of how to use technology platforms in order to succeed. Tools such as Skype, and Facetime permit people to communicate instantly via audio and video conferencing no matter where they are. Often times these digital communication tools are at a lower cost and higher value than traditional methods of communication such as phone calls and letter-writing.
An additional style of instantaneous videos are webinars. Webinars are different from other video conferencing tools because they allow one person to speak while other participants remain in listen only mode. Webinar hosts can choose to include participants as speakers if they think it’s needed. Webinars are like a virtual classroom where one presenter can speak uninterrupted. Webinars are great for sharing new information, ideas, and programs. When we say webinars here, we are referring to live webinars not pre-recorded ones.
Emails are a tried and true form of technology mediated communication, they are electronic letters used to exchanged information. Emails are used by everyone from students, professionals, and retirees. Emails are a formal letter that is sent electronically to recipients.
Instant messaging (IM) such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp allow users to communicate with each other through instantaneous text communication. Generally, instant messaging in a workplace is reserved for informal conversations. Email is used for formal conversations as they can be easily tracked and preserved. Many social media, instant messaging sites, and other platforms rely on various channels to convey meaning. Some of them include:
As technology progresses, these digital communication tools are blurring the lines of the overlapping services to consumers and professionals and are becoming as natural as a face-to-face conversation. 1) How can various types of technology mediated communication utilize various channels (short deleting videos, memes, GIFs, short looping videos, and emojis) to convey meaning? 2) How are video conferencing services, webinars, and pre-recorded videos similar? How are they different? 3) What type of text communication is considered more formal in nature? 4) What are digital presentation aids? What is Technology Mediated Communication? Drawbacks of Using Technology to Communicate |