Week+6+Communication+with+Technology

**What the Experts Say**

There were significant overlap between the comments by the experts. They may be using different examples but the thinking is very similar. In general, their comments were that communication hold be targeted to only those with a need to know, the exhibits should be there not for the sake of visual appeal but should add actual value, communication should be as personal as possible, the permanence of email and using technology only when warranted with verifiable efficiencies.

It is my belief that the concepts stand for all audiences. There really aren't any specific issues that jumped out at me while reading the experts opinion. Each expert has to use the methods that appeal to their constituents however. For example, K-12 may want to consider using Facebook as a means of communication. Definitely unorthodox from the face of it, but if it promotes interaction in a medium the audience already knows well, it will promote usage and thus further learning.

The key points about effective communication include using the appropriate technology in its most appropriate form, using good taste, common sense (ie not copying the world on emails) and following through with the selected technologies.

**Effective Communication**


 * Effective PowerPoint**

• keep effects, transitions to what is needed • do not overcrowd slides with words- PowerPoints are meant to guide to be a comprehensive reference • if inserting Excel spreadsheets, ensure they are legible from a distance • pay attention to the flow, there should be an introduction and ac conclusion • slides should illustrate your speech and not be a substitute • limit points to 3-6 per slide • limit sub-headings and break major points to separate slides • use a clean, simple background consistent across all slides • be careful with animations, video and sound- use for impact where necessary only • spend effort on content rather than design • pay attention particularly to the conclusion- you want your audience to leave with the key points in mind


 * Effective Page Design for Newsletters and Brochures**

• consistency in design-fonts should remain the same, so should the size of photos and other design elements such as the same number of grids on each page • judicious use of clip art and photos, more is not necessarily better • intuitive rather than haphazard design- it should be clear to the reader the flow of the newsletter and not like things are thrown in wherever • first impressions- must be exciting rather than boring • use white space to counteract dense text • electronic format- choosing the right format with the audience in mind is key. Choices range from email to pdf to plain text and more. • Consider templates- since layout is so important there is no point reinventing the wheel when not required • make sure branding is evident so the audience knows who sent the newsletters


 * Effective Web Design**

• clean design-neat, not overly dense with words, adequate white space • reasonable load time • minimal graphic and flash-people visit for content, graphics and flash are attractive but they are not the best way to transmit information • browser compatible- Firefox, Explorer and Safari at a minimum • design for most screen resolution • no pop-up screens • include a search box • intuitive layout and button placement • use a consistent color scheme and typeface • keep content fresh with regular changes • optimize tags and links to increase visibility • straightforward navigation


 * E-mail Etiquette**

• reasonable pleasantries are expected • address the recipient or risk being rude • do not copy people unneccesarily • check spelling and grammar • be concise • personalize it • answer in a reasonable timeframe • do not attach large files, use yousendit • do not overuse the high priority flag • do not write in capital letters • do not write emails impulsively, they last forever • do not forward chain letters • make the subject line meaningful and relevant

**Effective Communication**


 * Is there a need to establish communication standards for these technologies?**

Yes there is. Similar to when emails and websites were first introduced, people started developing informal guidelines on etiquette. Those that did not follow were deemed rude and it destroyed their credibility.


 * Is there a need to distinguish between technologies used for personal communication versus that used for educational purposes?**

Yes there is. I believe that they are not necessarily compatible and the content put into each must be carefully scripted for the purpose. An example is that you can ping into both Linkedin as well as Facebook. It is clearly not appropriate to discuss your clubbing experience the night before on Linkedin but perfectly acceptable on Facebook. Assuming that the Facebook page is for personal and not business!


 * What other new technologies are being developed for communication in the learning environment?**

Blogs, wikis, Google Docs, Google Sites, Adobe ConnectPro, webinar platforms, Facebook, Twitter. The latter two, although now used predominantly for pleasure, will grow increasingly important as a means of communication since one has to go where the target audience is.


 * How are the technologies being used in schools and businesses? If not now, how do you anticipate the technology to be used in the future?**

All of the technologies are for streamlining and making communication more effective. In this day and age, everyone gets bombarded by information from all different sources. It is important to help people consolidate and filter. In the future, I see further consolidation in the providers similar to how Google, Facebook, Linkedin for example now dominate the market.


 * Will there be a need to develop standards for effective communication? If so, what would some of the standards be?**

There will be a need. There is already a need. I think a few key vehicles will emerge as the victors and be what everyone uses to communicate. Each organization will also define their preferred methods and force their constituents to abide by. These methods, whatever they may be, must be consistent and the course not be changed whenever someone else has another idea. Below are some possible standards:

• Privacy protections • Copyright infringement protections • Formality- defined as Facebook etc can be very informal • Standards of vocabulary • Account security