12 Information and Communication Technologies
Outcome/Competency: Understand and use appropriate information and communication technologies
Time to complete this section: 6 hours
Rationale:
Why is it important for you to learn this skill?
Being able to understand and use appropriate information and communication technologies is integral to ensuring that the message is received in a timely manner, and to ensure you are following the spoken and unspoken rules of decorum for your workplace.
Outcome:
To be competent in this area, the individual must be able to:
Identify, describe, and use appropriate information and communication technologies.
Objectives
Identify, understand, and use communication technology appropriately.
Understand and use communication software effectively.
Introduction:
This section will introduce you to, and allow you to practice, modes of communication, common workplace communication channels and technology, how to select communication technologies, and guidelines for communicating online. You’ll have the opportunity to complete a group research project and oral presentation.
Objective One
Identify, understand, and use communication technology appropriately
Topic 1: Choosing between modes of communication (1h)
The medium or channel is the vehicle of transmission for a message. Generally, several communication channels could communicate a message, but choosing the most appropriate channel will depend on the audience, the message, and the purpose of communication. When communicating a message, choosing from traditional communication channels: memos, letters, face-to-face (F2F) meetings, and telephone calls; as well as digital media: emails, text messages, videoconferencing, blogs, and websites are all options. The writer must have a clear understanding of the audience to ensure the channel of communication will effectively communicate the message.
Figure 6.1: Choosing the best communication channel takes an in-depth understanding of the audience, the purpose and the message. (Business Communications, 2019).
Between traditional and rapid electronic media, we have more choice for communication channels than ever in human history. Each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages that make it appropriate or inappropriate for specific situations. Knowing those pros and cons, summarized in Table 6.1 below, for a dozen of the most common verbal and written channels available, is necessary for being an effective communicator in the modern workplace. Choosing channels wisely can mean the difference between a message that is received and understood as intended (the goal of communication), and one that is lost in the noise or misunderstood in costly ways.
Selecting the Right Medium
Media can be categorized into four main types: oral, written, visual, and electronic.
Table 6.1: Types of Business Communication
The advantages and disadvantages of the four categories of business communications. (Business Communication Essentials, 2016).
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