Communication Technology Human communication is necessary because we are social beings. According to McDermott (2013) communication technology in earlier times, to the fashioning of any tool, machine or technical device used by man to facilitate the process of communicating. We can map our progress in technological advancements from BCE to CE times; cave paintings, carrier pigeons, marathon man, the town Cryer, North American Indians used smoke signals, African tribes used talking drums, postal service, newspapers, telegraphs, radio, telephone, televisions, bullroarer and the internet. Today communication technology refers to the application of scientific advancements in telephony (vice and voiceless) to process of communication with the aim of making it more efficient (McDermott).
Below are the most common technologies in use today: 1. Instant messaging (IM, live chat) Immediate communication Accountability Cheap (affordable) Productive Requires hardware (laptop, video) Requires internet The internet is not always safe. Privacy is an issue 2. Telephone Immediate communication Accountability Conferencing Voicemail Expensive international calling rates Both sender and receiver must have phones 3. Cellular phone
Mobility Duality Disadvantage: The battery life is short Cell phones are expensive and the rates are also expensive Signal coverage varies Both sender and receiver must have access to either cellular or telephone technology 4. Email Emails are delivered quickly Efficient enough to be sent to multiple students Inexpensive Convenient Disadvantage: Must have relevant device Inboxes may be crowed No guarantee of email was delivered Persons must be able to read Emails can lack privacy and accounts are often hacked 5. Facsimile Advantage: Can transmit data over long distances (range)
Convenience because a large amount of documents can be sent Cost effective Hard copies are received by receiver and can be available for future. Disadvantage: Consumes paper can be challenge if the receiver has not loaded paper in their system Both parties must have a fax machines Sender must make sure fax numbers are correct Receiver must be able to read 6. Television Facilitates both audio and visual signals Facilitates mass communication Television channels can be changed and message missed Advertising and airtime can be very expensive The receiver can respond directly or have real time conversation in most instances 7. Radio Relatively inexpensive A form of mass communication Radio can be found anywhere in any appliance store
It is convenient and can be listened to when the receiver is doing other things Only audio communication Interference from other devices and appliances The flow of information is one way 8. Electronic billboard Both audio and visual communication can be transmitted Facilitates mass communication Images can be animated Dependant on electricity (for the most part) Receiver must be able to read Placement may not be convenient for receivers to stop More visually appealing at night 9. Videoconferencing Facilitates both audio and visual communication Real time communication Receiver can consider both verbal and non-verbal aspects of the message Expensive to implement Persons need to have special training and computer literacy
High maintenance cost Both sender and receiver must have the requisite technology 10. Video chat Affordable Laptops, webcams, tablets and smart phones are popular Can conduct live meetings and Receiver can consider both verbal and nonverbal aspects of the message Both sender and receiver must have the technologies and programs necessary 11. Personal digital assistants Facilitates intra-personal communication Affordable Can store large quantities of information Features can be distracting Users must be able to read and use device User must be able to remember where information is stored in the PDA 12. Social media The ability to share information in an unrestricted manner It facilitates 24 hour access
It enables real time instant communication Inexpensive Entertaining but can also facilitates academic pursuits and business Can be used irresponsibly Privacy can easily be invaded by hackers Inappropriate content is often posted Both sender and receiver must have the apps required