Communication tools

Communicative Tools

Communicative tools are systems that allow easy communication between teachers and students or between students outside the physical barrier classroom. (Chen, D., Hsu, JJF, and Hung, D. 2000). It includes e-mail, electronic bulletin boards, chat, teleconference and electronic whiteboard. Synchronous communicative tools such as chat or video conference enable real-time communication . While using the tools of communicative asynchronous (eg: e-mail and electronic whiteboard) is a system in which exchange of messages between people are not 'live' but somehow delayed. Communicative tool most appropriate for activities requiring more time to think before responding. Utilization of electronic mail is increasing day by day. E-mail is the most commonly used on the Internet. It is easy to use as it is a primarily text-based system and simple communication tool for teachers and students that allows students to dominate class beyond physical barrier.

The two types of communication tools are Synchronous and Asynchronous

1)      Synchronous communication tools are an important and powerful element in the design and delivery of successful learning environments. Synchronous communication is communication that occurs between two or more people at the same time but not necessarily at the same place.

Examples: instant messaging, video conferencing, webcams, MUDs, MOOs, chat..

2)      Asynchronous communication is the exchange of messages, such as among the hosts on a network or devices in a computer, by reading and responding as schedules permit rather than according to some clock that is synchronized for both the sender and receiver or in real time.

Examples are file transfer, email and the World Wide Web, computer bases-training and DVD.

Their Differences are;

Why to use the communication tool in teaching and learning?

Communication tools must be used in teaching and learning because:

•      every individual needs are fulfilled,
•       it  improves engagement.
•       improves knowledge retention,
•       encourages individual learning,
•       encourages collaboration,
•       students can learn useful life skills through technology. 

To understand more about communication tool, we were given an activity to create a blog  related to Information Communication and Technology. It is a kind of reflective or learning profile about integration of ICT in teaching and learning . Through this  blog we can express and our understanding and the benefits  of integration of ICT in teaching and learning.

Not only that we can share our knowledge, refine writing skills and earn more exposure to communications tools. I found this tool very necessary to integrate into classroom teaching as it will provide platform for the students to develop effective communication skills.