Online communication 1

Online communication 1

1. Podcasts

   • Podcasts are a series of audio or video files that can be downloaded from the internet. If video is published in episodes like a blog, then this process is known as a vlog (video blogging). YouTube is an example of a video-sharing website where individuals can share vlogs.

2. Virtual learning environments

   • A school community may make use of a virtual learning environment (VLE) to distribute resources, support learning and assess progress online. A VLE is an education system based on web facilities. The system is a virtual world which mirrors the real world of education – it contains learning materials, tests, projects, lectures/lessons and allows interaction between teachers and learners. The system also records and tracks learners’ progress and performs other class management functions.
     • Sometimes the system can work in real time. Learners can communicate using microphones and speakers, or by text exchanges. At other times learners can be left to work at their own pace to meet specifi ed deadlines. Lectures and lesson notes, as well as exercises are all held on the system and can be accessed by the learner.
       • Learners ’hand in’ their work to their teacher electronically using the VLE. Teachers assess the work online and give feedback electronically via the VLE.

3. Social networking websites

   • Social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter™, LinkedIn, Google+ and MySpace, allow members of the online community to interact and communicate by setting up a profile . Users can then add links to friends’ profi les and post personal information, including photographs, videos, favourite music and blog entries.

4. Online communication 2

   • Instant messaging
     • instant messaging provides a way to exchange textual messages as an alternative to the telephone and at a fraction of the cost. As messages are sent in real time, responses can be received instantaneously.
   • Social networking
     • Social networking websites have changed the way that we communicate. They allow people to communicate interactively in real time anywhere in the world. Groups of likeminded people can share information, opinions and interests cheaply, normally for the cost of a broadband connection. Social networking provides a great way of staying in touch with friends and business contacts.
   • Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
     • Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows people to interact in real time using voice and/or video messaging, and is available between any two points in the world. For internet-only conversations, there is no additional cost at either end. Skype™ is an example of a service that uses VoIP.
       • Being able to contact relatives and business colleagues on the other side of the world at relatively low cost is the biggest benefit. VoIP software is often used by businesses for online conferences and meetings. This reduces travel costs, travel time (and therefore loss of productivity during this time) and the cost of hiring a venue.